On Wednesday, a call went in to the Alaska State troopers reporting a sexual assault in the community of Sleetmute. The call was recieved at 3 am.

Alaska State Troopers responded to the western Alaska interior village to investigate the reported incident.

Their investigation revealed that the suspect, 22-year-old Sleetmute resident, Colten Zaukar, broke into another resident’s house using an axe to gain entry. After entering the home, it is reported that Zaukar physically assaulted the woman before dragging her to a trail leading to the Kuskokwim River, where he then sexually assaulted her.

The victim has been taken to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

When the Alaska State Troopers and Deputy United States Marshal responded to the incident in the community, one of Zaukar’s relatives warned Zaukar of their arrival and transported Zaukar to a wooded mountain area on the far side of town.

Troopers and the Deputy Marshall chased Zaukar on foot in the area, but Zaukar avoided apprehension by fleeing into the hills.

Court records show show that Zaukar was previously arrrested and charged with Murder I-Intent to cause Death, and Assault I in an incident in February of 2010, but Zaukar reached a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to Assault III charges in the attack where a family member suffered cuts from an axe or a knife and was kicked repeatly as he lay on the floor.

Zaukar was also arrested on First Degree Burglary and Robbery II charges in October of 2011. After a series of delays, Zaukar’s trial date was recheduled for the end of October of this year, he was bailed out of jail the middle of August according to court documents.

Sleetmute has a population of approximately 90 people and is located on the east bank of the Kuskokwim River about 1.5 miles north of its junction with the Holitna River. the community lies about 79 miles east of Aniak.

Zaukar is currently at large near the community. Alaska State Troopers are asking for any information that would lead to Zaukar’s arrest and ask that anyone with information contact the Alaska State Trooper Post in Aniak at 800-675-4398.