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Alaska State Troopers are seeking a 45-year-old Kiana man wanted for allegedly firing at a crowd following a woman’s suspicious death in the village Friday night.
According to AST spokesperson Megan Peters, arrest warrants have been issued for 45-year-old Teddy Smith on three counts of third-degree assault, as well as single fourth-degree counts of assault and misconduct involving weapons.
Peters says Smith has not been charged in the death of 70-year-old Dolly Smith, whose body was discovered Friday evening, but only for his actions after authorities responded to the incident. She couldn’t comment Monday on the nature of any family relationship between Teddy and Dolly Smith.
“Investigation revealed that Teddy Smith had been drinking and after first responders arrived on scene at the residence of Dolly Smith he had discharged a firearm in the direction of a crowd of people,” Peters wrote. “Teddy Smith fled the area and has not been seen since.”
Troopers ordered an initial 24-hour lockdown of the community which has since been lifted, and remain in the community to investigate Dolly Smith’s death. No further lockdowns have been requested by troopers.
While Peters says Teddy Smith should be considered armed and dangerous, she says no threats have been received and troopers have no reason to believe Kiana or any of the surrounding villages are in danger.
Anyone with information on Teddy Smith's whereabouts is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Kotzebue at 442-3222.