Haines Borough police and U.S. Coast Guard officials are investigating an incident at the Haines small boat harbor last week that included an alleged assault of the harbormaster and unsafe operation of a boat.
According to police chief Gary Lowe, the incident involved a harbor user pushing harbormaster Phil Benner. The Coast Guard investigation stems from a report that the same individual left the harbor in a boat at an excessive speed. The severity of the boat’s wake apparently caused it to damage cleats and fiberglass.
Lowe said he anticipated that misdemeanor assault charges would be filed. Coast Guard officials this week said damage might be used as an aggravating factor in a negligent operating charge. Owners of damaged boats should call the Guard at 907-463-2468.