A traffic stop last Thursday evening on Pioneer Avenue turned into a tense encounter when Alaska State Troopers pulled firearms on the driver and passenger. No one was injured in the incident and the suspects eventually cooperated. 

Troopers arrested Alexander Napier II, 31, for driving while license suspended.

According to a press release, Trooper David Chaffin stopped Napier at about 6:40 p.m. on Pioneer Avenue and Svedlund Street when Chaffin saw that Napier’s 2005 Hyundai had expired registration. Napier and his passenger acted “squirrely,” said trooper spokesperson Megan Peters, and Chaffin called for backup from Homer Police. 

Troopers also became alarmed when throwing knives fell out of Napier’s wallet when he was asked for identification.

Both Napier and his passenger complied with orders. Troopers also found a gun in the car after arresting Napier. The passenger was not charged with a crime. Napier’s license was suspended for failure to pay fines.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.
armstrong@homernews.com.