Shooting at beach bonfire party in Chignik Bay lands man in custody

A man who allegedly fired a shotgun at party-goers during a beach bonfire in late July is scheduled to return to court later this week.

Harry Leland Halsey, 40, who said he lives in Chignik Bay but keeps a Fairbanks mailing address, faces charges on four felony counts of third-degree assault, according to court records. He also faces misdemeanor charges including five counts of reckless endangerment and misconduct involving a weapon.

Halsey had pre-indictment hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 10. That hearing was continued to Friday, Aug. 12

State troopers in King Salmon were notified on Friday, July 29, that a bonfire in Chignik Bay the night before had gotten out of hand, and that a heavily intoxicated Halsey had brandished a knife and even fired a shotgun at others.

Witnesses said Halsey was getting rough with his girlfriend, according to the troopers’ sworn affidavit, and when others intervened he pulled the large knife and lunged at them.

He later sped off in a vehicle after saying he was going to get a gun. When he returned, he pulled a .12-gauge shotgun out and racked the action.

Troopers say the gun went off, perhaps while other men were trying to subdue Halsey.

No one else was injured. Halsey was treated for injuries to his face and head that night by medical personnel in Chignik Bay, and was arrested the following day.

He was ordered held on $10,000 bail at his arraignment.

According to Alaska Department of Corrections, Halsey currently in custody in Anchorage Correctional Complex.

KDLG - Dillingham

KDLG is our partner station in Dillingham. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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