A 57-year-old Ketchikan man was arrested Monday and charged with fourth-degree weapons misconduct for having two loaded handguns in his possession, and four more nearby, while he was intoxicated. He pleaded no-contest to the charge on Tuesday.
The Ketchikan Police Department contacted Alan Knettel on a fishing boat in Thomas Basin after getting some complaints around 5:30 p.m. about a man shouting threats.
Officers responded to the area of Thomas Basin due to the report of a male shouting out to anyone that wanted to hear that he was going to kill people,” said Sergeant Robert Cheatam.
He said Corporal Michael Paulsen was sent to the harbor, heard Knettel shouting, approached him, and then Knettel turned around. At that point, police say they could see he had a loaded handgun in a shoulder holster and that he was highly intoxicated.
“Upon further search, a second loaded handgun was found in his right front pocket,” Cheatam said. “Upon further investigation, they found four more loaded handguns within three or four feet of Mr. Knettel.”
Cheatam said it’s a misdemeanor for someone who is intoxicated to possess a loaded firearm. He added that Knettel did not threaten any specific person, and did not act in a threatening manner toward the arresting officer.
“From my understanding, once he was contacted, he realized he was being contacted by a uniformed officer and his demeanor changed at that point, for the positive,” Cheatam said.
Knettel was transported to Ketchikan Correctional Center Monday. He was arraigned Tuesday afternoon, and pleaded no contest to the charge. According to the court clerk’s office, Knettel was sentenced to serve 20 days in jail.
