Christopher Nickalaskey SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING, FIREARMS CRIMES
Update on 2/24/26:
From the US Attorney’s Office:
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced last week to 14 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl and for possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, prior to the charged conduct, Christopher Nickalaskey, 34, had one state felony drug conviction and one 2017 federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. In that case, Nickalaskey instigated a violent altercation with APD officers, pulling a loaded firearm during the struggle. Nickalaskey was sentenced to four years in federal prison for his conduct in the 2017 case.
On Sept. 7, 2023, Nickalaskey possessed two pistols and a backpack containing over a kilogram of methamphetamine. Nickalaskey planned to sell those drugs, as he received text messages asking about them on the day he was arrested.
Nickalaskey was later released on state bail.
On Oct. 1, 2023, APD received information that Nickalaskey was trespassing and possibly armed. APD arrived on scene and tried to pat down Nickalaskey, but he resisted, pulled out a gun and dropped to the floor. He struggled with several APD officers who were trying to tase and disarm him. The gun went off, and the bullet passed through Nickalaskey’s hip before hitting an APD officer in the knee. After the gun went off, an APD sergeant managed to pull the gun from Nickalaskey’s hand, but only after he bit the sergeant’s finger forcefully. Both officers recovered despite the serious injuries Nickalaskey caused.
In handing down the sentence, the Court also ordered Nickalaskey to serve 10 years on supervised release upon release from prison. The Court noted the defendant’s serious criminal history, including prior drug-related and violent convictions, when delivering the sentence.
“Mr. Nickalaskey is a repeat and dangerous criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska. “His lawlessness peaked when he brandished a prohibited weapon and injured two dedicated Anchorage police officers, earning himself 14 years behind bars. My office takes the threat of repeat, undeterred offenders seriously and will ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
“APD is grateful to all parties involved in the curtailing of drugs and illegal firearms within the community,” said Anchorage Police Department Chief Sean Case. “This decision by the court continues to send the strong message that APD and our Federal partners are committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. APD would also like to thank the FBI for helping during this investigation. Our partnership reflects the highest standards of law enforcement services provided in Anchorage.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case.
Update on 2/27/24:
From the US Attorney’s Office:
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging an Anchorage man with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Court documents allege that on Sept. 7, 2023, Christopher Nickalaskey, 32, possessed multiple firearms and ammunition.
According to court documents and a press release from the Anchorage Police Department, on Oct. 1, 2023, Nickalaskey possessed a firearm during an encounter with police. The release alleges Nickalaskey was contacted by police and began to fight officers. During the altercation, Nickalaskey allegedly reached for a gun in his waistband and pulled the trigger, striking himself and an officer in the lower body.
At the time of both alleged events, Nickalaskey was a convicted felon. Nickalaskey was convicted of a drug crime in the Anchorage Superior Court in 2014 and of being a felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska in 2021.
Nickalaskey is charged with two counts of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Vorndran of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Chief Michael Kerle of the Anchorage Police Department made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
(Related to APD Cases 23-29014 and 23-32004)
Original on 10/1/23:
At 7:47 PM on October 1, 2023, Anchorage Police Officers responded to the 9600-block of Independence Drive in reference to a domestic disturbance.
When officers made contact with 32-year-old Christopher James Nickalaskey he began to fight officers and reach for a gun in his waistband. During the altercation, Nickalaskey reached the gun in his waistband and pulled the trigger. The round struck Nickalaskey in the lower body and also stuck an officer in the lower body. Nickalaskaskey continued to fight and bit another officer on the hand. The weapon was secured and Nickalaskey was restrained and placed under arrest.
Nickalaskey was transported to a hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening injury and was remanded at the Anchorage Jail for the charges of Assault 4, Assault 3 (x6), Misconduct Involving a Weapon 3-Felon in Possession, and Misconduct Involving a Weapon 2.
The officer struck by the bullet and the officer bit were both treated for minor injuries at a hospital.
APD Case: 23-32004
