Alaska DOT Addresses Worker Who Allegedly Tracked Women With GPS

(ANCHORAGE) Alaska airport police arrested Dustin Madden on August 7, 2025, alleging he placed GPS tracking devices on coworkers’ cars in the employee lot at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. He faces four misdemeanor counts of stalking and one felony count of tampering with evidence as the investigation continues.

Authorities say more victims may exist and urge anyone who finds or suspects a device to call (907) 266-2411 and reference Case # AAP25-00872. Madden, an Airport Operations Specialist since September 30, 2020, is on administrative leave. He’s presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Immediate actions and safety steps

• The airport has increased patrols in employee parking areas and is reviewing security and privacy protocols.
• Employees and visitors are advised to inspect their vehicles for small, magnetized GPS trackers often placed under bumpers or in wheel wells.
• If you find a device, do not remove it yourself. Photograph it, avoid handling, and call airport police at (907) 266-2411. Preserving evidence helps investigators.

Important: If you find or suspect a device, call airport police and reference Case # AAP25-00872. Do not handle the device yourself.

Airport leadership and official response

DOT&PF stated it will not tolerate surveillance, intimidation, or harassment in the workplace. “We’re committed to a safe, respectful environment,” the department reiterated, noting both staff and visitors depend on trust and clear rules.

• The Anchorage Airport Police and Fire Department—led by Chief Aaron Danielson and Lieutenant Dan Juarez—holds national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), reaffirmed in March 2024. That accreditation signals adherence to recognized best practices, including evidence handling and victim support.
• Dave Bronson, appointed Airport Manager on January 27, 2025, is overseeing operational changes such as tighter access controls and more visible patrols in lots where employees park after late-night shifts.
• The department is also reviewing staff reporting procedures and police response times for parking areas.

Why this matters for workers and families

Incidents involving GPS tracking devices raise serious safety and privacy concerns. Stalking can create fear that spills into home life, commutes, and childcare routines. Airport workers often work irregular hours in dark lots, which can make them feel especially exposed.

Quick reporting and fast police response help reduce harm. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, strong workplace reporting systems and clear victim support steps often increase early detection and prevent repeated harassment.

What authorities say so far

• “We believe there may be additional victims,” Anchorage International Airport Police said, asking anyone with tips to contact investigators and reference Case # AAP25-00872.
• DOT&PF communications lead Shannon McCarthy is the main public contact for department-level updates: 907-388-8087, [email protected].
• Officials stress that all charges remain allegations while evidence collection continues.

How the investigation unfolded

Multiple employees reported finding trackers on their personal vehicles in the employee lot. That pattern prompted an immediate response by airport police, who began:

1. Interviewing staff.
2. Collecting devices.
3. Reviewing parking-lot footage.
4. Checking access logs.

On August 7, police arrested Dustin Madden and booked him on the current charges. Investigators continue to review whether other devices were used and whether additional people were affected.

Legal status and possible next steps

Madden has been arraigned on:
– Four misdemeanor counts of stalking
– One felony count of tampering with evidence

Prosecutors could bring more charges if investigators identify more incidents. For now, Madden remains on administrative leave. The court process will determine whether these allegations meet the legal standards for conviction.

What affected workers should do now

• Check your car: Look under bumpers, inside wheel wells, along frame rails, and near the rear hatch or trunk area. Trackers can be small and magnetized.
• Don’t dismantle the device: Photograph it from different angles and note the time and location of discovery.
• Call airport police: (907) 266-2411 and give Case # AAP25-00872. Follow instructions for evidence preservation.
• Document patterns: Keep a simple log if you notice unusual vehicles near your car, repeated device alerts on your phone, or unexplained routes in your navigation history.
• Ask about safety escorts: Many airports provide security escorts to and from lots, especially after dark.

Policy shifts and potential statewide impact

DOT&PF oversees 237 airports statewide, so any policy update at Anchorage can spread across Alaska’s system. Review areas include:

• Parking lot lighting, camera coverage, and patrol frequency
• Secure staff-only access controls
• Clear steps for reporting harassment and fast follow-up
• Privacy protections addressing new tech, including GPS tags and Bluetooth trackers

The Anchorage Airport Police and Fire Department’s CALEA accreditation suggests established procedures for handling evidence and supporting victims. Still, this case is prompting a deeper look at how technology-based stalking happens in workplace settings and how to stop it early.

Community and expert views

• Security specialists warn that low-cost trackers can be misused to monitor people’s routines, including commute times and home addresses.
• Employee advocates note that fear of retaliation can deter reporting; confidential reporting channels and clear communication from leadership can help.
• Transparent updates build trust while preserving the integrity of the investigation.

For the wider public, this is a reminder to check cars after parking in large lots, especially overnight. Families should discuss safety plans—sharing schedules with trusted contacts, varying routes, and knowing how to spot suspicious devices.

Official resources and contacts

• Anchorage International Airport Police: (907) 266-2411, reference Case # AAP25-00872
• DOT&PF Communications: Shannon McCarthy, 907-388-8087, [email protected]
• Alaska DOT&PF official site for updates: dot.alaska.gov (department announcements and airport police pages)
• U.S. Department of Justice: DOJ resources on stalking and victim support (Office on Violence Against Women)

What to watch in the coming weeks

• Possible additional charges if more devices or victims are found
• New parking-lot patrol patterns and escort options for late shifts
• Updated privacy training for supervisors and staff
• Technology guidance on detecting trackers, including Bluetooth alerts and physical checks

Balanced perspective

It’s important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent. The court will weigh evidence and decide outcomes. At the same time, the airport must protect employees and visitors. Both goals can coexist: a fair legal process alongside strong safety measures.

Actionable takeaways

• If you work or park at the airport and suspect a tracker, call police and preserve evidence.
• Ask your employer about escorts, lighting, and camera coverage in lots.
• Share simple safety steps with coworkers: check vehicles, vary routes, and report concerns early.
• Follow official updates from the Alaska DOT&PF website for policy changes and safety guidance.