On Saturday morning in the small community of Shungnak, the VPSO of the village arrested a 24-year-old woman on charges of being intoxicated and refusing a PBT in violation of her felony conditions of release on original charges of Importation of Alcohol.

The VPSO arrested and handcuffed the woman, Florence Douglas, and began transporting her to a holding area. As he was doing so, Douglas escaped from the ATV she was being transported on and fled the scene.

During the ensuing search and investigation, it was found that another Shungnak woman, 28-year-old Heather Lee, had helped Douglas free herself from the handcuffs and also assisted Douglas in eluding the VPSO.

Lee was arrested, charged and remanded on charges of Hindering Prosecution, Tampering with Evidence, and Criminal Mischief V.

The next day, on Sunday, August 3rd, with the assistance of Alaska State Troopers, and the Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team, the VPSO would discover Douglas hiding in a shed in the village. Douglas once again attempted to flee, but was, in a short time, apprehended.

Douglas was remanded on charges of Violating Condditions of Release, Escape II (on Felony Probation) PTRP, Theft IV, Criminal Mischief V, and Tampering with Evidence.

The community of Shungnak is located about 150 miles west of Kotzebue and has a population of 262 according to 2010 census information. The name Shungnak is a dirivitive of the native term “Issingnak,” which means jade. Jade is prevalent in the area.

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