Troopers seeking pair accused of driving away with patrol vehicle

The Alaska State Troopers are looking for two Big Lake Residents who they say stole a patrol car on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the troopers, 38-year-old Joshua Watford was arrested at North Shore Pawn in Big Lake around 2:30 on Wednesday afternoon for an outstanding warrant. Watford was handcuffed and put in the back seat of the patrol car. Troopers say a motorist stopped at the scene and spoke with the trooper about unrelated matters. While that happened, 28-year-old Amber Watford allegedly got into the driver’s seat of the patrol vehicle and drove away. Troopers found the vehicle about an hour later unoccupied on West Fireweed Drive.

Troopers searched for Joshua and Amber Watford on Wednesday evening using ground vehicles, dogs, and a helicopter, but did not locate them. Megan Peters, spokeswoman for the Alaska State Troopers, says that the active search has been called off, but anyone who sees the Watfords is asked to notify troopers at 352-5401.