Russell D. Atwood, 40, was arrested on charges of two counts of disorderly conduct and one count of harassment.

The anti-war group meets weekly at the Geist Road and University Avenue intersection to demonstrate against military action overseas, specifically the war in Iraq.

The protester he confronted, Ryan Tinsley, said Atwood has been bothering the group for the past year.

"They haven't been rational interactions," Tinsley said.

Atwood's behavior is quite different than others who have been demonstrating in support of the war, Tinsley said.

"He's been very aggressive and provoked fights," Tinsley said. "The counter-protests and pro-troop supporters are there and it's been wonderful. ... I don't want to discourage anybody from showing up and participating in the civil discussions."

According to charging documents filed by Alaska State Troopers, Atwood, who claims he was in the Marines for eight years, started walking back and forth by the protesters, taunting them with insults such as "you're a coward." The group tried to ignore Atwood even as he aggressively stood in front of some members and challenged them to respond to his insults, troopers wrote. He reportedly approached one protester who had a leashed puppy and kicked it, charging documents said.

After that, Tinsley told Atwood that his behavior was unacceptable and Atwood shoved him, according to the affidavit that said Atwood even confronted troopers and asked one trooper, "What have you done for your country?"

Atwood was arrested because he verbally insulted and challenged Tinsley and several other protesters, trying to provoke a violent response, troopers wrote in the affidavit.

At his arraignment Sunday, assistant District Attorney Jenel Domke said Atwood had a knife, Leatherman multipurpose tool and a disposable razor on him at the time of his arrest.

Atwood pleaded not guilty and vehemently denied the charges, calling the statements made by protesters and troopers wrong.

"These people will believe anybody," Atwood said. "All the statements on this affidavit are wrong, by the troopers, Mr. Tinsley and the prosecutor there. They're all false statements."

Atwood is being held at Fairbanks Correctional Center pending the court approval of someone who volunteers to have Atwood with them at all times or face jail time. As part of conditions of release, Atwood cannot be within 500 feet of Tinsley.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner