A 28-year-old man, Grady Rexford, is facing numerous charges following an incident in Gambell, Alaska on Wednesday. Rexford is accused of threatening residents with a knife and intentionally shutting off power to the entire village for over five hours.

Charges Filed Against Rexford

The charges against Rexford include six counts of third-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault, first-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass, and reckless endangerment. These charges reflect the severity of the alleged actions and their impact on the community.

Incident at the Gambell Native Store

The incident began around 4:04 p.m. when Jeremiah Apataki, manager of the Gambell Native Store, contacted the Alaska State Troopers (AST) to report Rexford’s presence inside the store. Apataki stated Rexford was brandishing a knife and frightening customers.

Due to severe weather, an immediate AST response was not possible. Witnesses corroborated Apataki’s account, describing Rexford as disruptive and threatening with a knife, though details varied.

Power Outage and Escalation

Around 6:08 p.m., the AST received a report from a Gambell Village Public Safety Officer (VPO) that Rexford had tampered with the AVEC power plant, causing a complete power outage. This outage cut off essential communication lines for the village.

A utility worker at the plant described Rexford throwing barrels and equipment. When approached, Rexford allegedly displayed the knife and made threats, claiming to be an assassin.

Confrontation with Officer Parks

Officer Parks, responding to the scene, initially found Rexford hiding. Rexford claimed he was conducting “KGB business” and brandished the knife again, forcing Parks to retreat for assistance from a VPO. A preliminary breath test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.125.

Power Plant Damage

Upon returning to the power plant, Parks discovered Rexford had intentionally shut off the main power line and manipulated coolant valves, creating a fire hazard. While Parks restored power, a transformer fuse blew, delaying full restoration.

Impact of the Outage

The power outage had significant consequences. The airport lost communication, heating and water systems failed, and all communication towers went offline. This occurred during a blizzard with wind chill temperatures around -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Officer Parks worked in hazardous conditions to repair the transformer and restore utilities. Full power was restored around 10 p.m. with remote assistance from a trained lineman.

Ongoing Investigation

The incident highlights the vulnerability of remote Alaskan communities. Rexford is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is focused on recovery and ensuring resident safety.