Juneau Police Department officers in full SWAT gear descended on a house in the 400 block of Fourth Street just before 5 p.m. Friday.
JPD was serving a search warrant on the small blue-painted house — which has been the focus of neighbor complaints regarding what they believe is rampant drug dealing — with the help of the Alaska State Troopers and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Legislative staffer Matt Gruening, who lives nearby, was on his way home when the squad cars pulled up. He said about eight to 10 officers in “full riot gear with helmets” linked their shields and advanced toward the house, while other officers took positions around the perimeter.
While the warrant was being served, the roadway at Fourth and Gold Street, as well as Fourth and Harris Street, was closed. Neighbors said they were told to stay inside as a precaution.
JPD Sgt. Krag Campbell issued a press release Friday night regarding the search, but declined to clarify the subject of the warrant, saying only that the investigation is ongoing.
No arrests were made, Campbell said.
The house, located at 423 Fourth St., is owned by Breffni Place Properties, a corporation formed by Kathleen Barrett — the owner of the Bergmann Hotel around the corner, which was condemned by the city in March.
In recent months, some of the neighbors have been complaining about suspected prostitution and drug activity in the blue house. Many of their concerns were forwarded to JPD, but it was not known if there was a correlation between the complaints and the search warrant.
Contact reporter Liz Kellar at 523-2246 or liz.kellar@juneauempire.com.
A Juneau Police Department officer stops while circling the house and peering in the windows to see who is inside, while the warrant search was under way at 423 Fourth St. on Friday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Matt Gruening)
