Denyka Powell Apprehended by K9 Hank in DV Assault Investigation

At 5:36 PM on January 2, 2024, Anchorage Police responded to the 400-block of E 4th Avenue regarding a disturbance with a pipe.  Officers contacted 45-year-old Denyka C. Powell inside the building which is a large warehouse-type structure with living quarters inside.  Powell had initially called police to report she had been assaulted with a pipe by an adult male.  During the interview Powell displayed erratic behavior, became angry and aggressive with the officers, and ultimately told the officers to leave.  Because Powell no longer wanted to cooperate with the investigation, the officers exited the building.

Officers located and spoke with the adult male whom Powell had accused of hurting her; the man had visible injuries.  Through the ensuing investigation it was determined that not only was Powell not a victim, but she was responsible for causing injuries to the male.

Officers returned to the residence, verbally contacted Powell, and informed her she was under arrest.  Powell stated she had barricaded herself inside and would not exit. Officers obtained two warrants: one for the arrest of Powell and another allowing officers to enter the building to effect the arrest. 

K9 and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded.  Negotiators spent four hours attempting to talk Powell out.  After multiple additional warnings went unheeded, officers breached the door and deployed a drone inside to locate Powell.  Powell knocked the drone from the air to the ground which broke the drone.  K9 Hank was released.  K9 Hank located Powell and contacted her on the leg which allowed officers to take her into custody without further incident at 11:57 PM. 

Powell was treated at the hospital for the dog bite.  Afterwards she was remanded at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center on the charges of Assault, Resisting, and Criminal Mischief.

Powell and the victim are known to one another; this is a domestic violence related crime.  The motive behind the assault is still under investigation.

APD Case 24-196

For information on how to obtain the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.