James Lestenkof Facing Felony Charges for Assaulting a Police Officer

At 4:45 PM on July 29, 2024, a swing shift patrol officer stopped on an agitated male lying in the roadway near W 5th Avenue and L Street.  At the same time the officer saw the male, APD Dispatch was receiving a call regarding the same subject.  Officer #1 exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to convince 22-year-old James D. Lestenkof that he needed to step out of the roadway.  When Officer #2 arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, Lestenkof kept looking towards traffic. Due to the self-harm statements Lestenkof was making, the officers became concerned that Lestenkof may intentionally run in front of moving vehicles. For Lestenkof’s safety, the officers attempted to detain him. 

When Officer #1 reached for Lestenkof’s arm, Lestenkof pulled free, grabbed Officer #2, and took Officer #2 to the ground.  During the fight involving the suspect and both officers, Lestenkof assaulted Officer #2 by punching her repeatedly in the head, biting her, and strangling her.  Officer #1 was able to remove Lestenkof’s arm from Officer #2’s neck; Officer #1 then deployed his Taser which allowed Officer #2 to free herself and place Lestenkof into handcuffs.

Officer #2 was treated and released at a hospital for her injuries.

Subsequent to an interview with detectives, James Lestenkof was remanded at the Anchorage Correctional Complex on the charges of Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, and Resisting.

Detectives are aware they have not spoken to all citizens who witnessed the assault.  APD is asking anyone who either saw the crime being committed against the officer, or who have any type of electronic footage of it, to please contact Anchorage Police at 3-1-1 (option #1) or 907-786-8900 (press “0”) so their statement may be taken and/or the evidence may be collected.

APD Case 24-23407

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