This story was updated at 2:15 p.m
Homer Police and Alaska State Troopers today caught an Anchor Point man wanted as a person of interest in recent crimes in Homer. Troopers earlier today spotted the wanted man, Dellan Vanbuskirk, 30, in Anchor Point. Vanbuskirk ran away and troopers gave chase, said trooper spokesperson Megan Peters. After a 2-mile chase involving troopers and Homer Police, Vanbuskirk was taken into custody.
This is a developing story. The original story is below.
Homer Police seek an Anchor Point man described as a person of interest regarding several recent crimes in the Homer area. On Friday morning, Jan. 22, police issued a press release asking the public’s assistance in locating Dellan Vanbuskirk, 30. Vanbuskirk also has an arrest warrant for parole violations. He is believed to live in Anchor Point, police said.
Vanbuskirk is 5-feet 8-inches tall, about 150 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair. Homer Police Chief Mark Robl said he couldn’t answer any questions regarding the crimes Vanbuskirk is a suspect in.
“I will say we are concerned about his recent conduct and believe he poses a significant enough threat to the public to justify taking this step in asking the public to help us locate him,” Robl wrote in an email.
Police said if people see or recognize Vanbuskirk, do not attempt to contact him or detain him. Call the Homer Police at 235-3150 or local law enforcement if out of the area. Tips also can be made to Crimestoppers at 800-478-4258 (478-4258).
According to online court records, Vanbuskirk has a criminal history dating back to 2000, with convictions for fourth-degree assault, reckless driving, and driving while license revoked, cancelled, suspended or limited.
In November 2010 Vanbuskirk and another man broke into a second-story hotel room in downtown Homer. Police said the men wore masks and attacked a couple sleeping in the room. A female victim in that attack said she screamed, fought back and tore off the mask of the man attacking her. The male victim told police he woke up and got Vanbuskirk in a bear hug and that Vanbuskirk dragged him out onto a balcony and down stairs. The victim’s face was bloody and bruised, police said. The couple later identified Vanbuskirk and the other man. The male victim said he had loaned Vanbuskirk $100 earlier and that Vanbuskirk knew he had $1,000 on him.
Charges of conspiracy, robbery and attempted theft were dismissed against the second man and Vanbuskirk. Vanbuskirk pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault. The recent arrest warrant is for parole violations related to that case. Robl said Vanbuskirk has missed meetings with his parole officer.
Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.
