A family-owned Alaska trucking company that specializing in services for oil, gas, mining and construction companies has posted a $20,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of shooters who targeted two of their drivers along the Richardson Highway last week.
The Alaska State Troopers sent out an alert on Nov. 21, seeking information about what it described as “attempted murder” on Nov. 20 along the Richardson Highway.
Troopers were notified that a Black Gold Transport truck was shot multiple times by the occupants of a white SUV near mile 339 of the Richardson Highway. Later in the night, Troopers received another call that a second Black Gold Transport truck was shot at near the Steese Highway and Chena Hot Springs Road, also by the occupants of a white SUV, which is believed to be the same car. Neither driver was injured during the shootings.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is asking the public to help provide additional information to help solve the case.
Black Gold is a Fairbanks-based trucking and logistics company founded in 1987, focusing on heavy-haul bulk transport. It provides specialized hauls for the Manh Choh gold mining project near the interior town of Tok, which involves trucks that run daily ore loads down to Kinross mine near Fairbanks for processing.
State Troopers have not released a motive or named any suspects surrounding the shootings.
Black Gold Transport has, however, received heated pushback from some residents and environmentalist groups that have vocally criticized the many trips that the company’s large double-trailer trucks must make each day to transport ore to Fort Knox Mine for processing.
Last year, a group called Alaskans for Safe Alaska Highways joined members of Save Our Domes and Northern Alaska Environmental Center to flood a Fairbanks Borough Assembly meeting with protesters.
Despite the recent shooting, Black Gold Transport noted that it remains undaunted.
“We hear often from community members who say they feel safer on Alaska’s highways knowing our trucks are out there — that if someone is in trouble or needs help, a Black Gold Transport driver will likely be among the first to stop and assist,” Black Gold Transport stated. “These incidents will not deter our commitment to safety, professionalism, and being good partners on the road.”
In order to bring about a resolution to the case, Black Gold offered an initial $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The next day, Contango ORE added an additional $10,000 to the offer. Contango ORE has a 30% stake in the Manh Choh gold mining project.
“We appreciate our industry partners and the broader community for standing with us and our drivers,” Black Gold Transport stated.
Those who can provide any additional information about the white SUV or the shooting are urged to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 451-5100.
9 Comments
If there were dash cams or roadside cameras, the case would probably be solved quickly.
Catch them!!! NEVER EVER QUIT!!! Black Gold Is a professional company and they don’t need this kind of action marring the work they do. Careful drivers Careful!!!
Maybe the Troopers need to bring Stevie Wonder to Alaska to help with solving this Case!
maybe they just need you, detective.
yea didnt think so either.
Little sendative are we Shane
Will pray for justice
Dash cams are good, having someone ride shotgun might be better.
You need to protect yourself. Please take a firearms class.
Nothing like some cowards out shooting at some hard working guys and girls just trying to make a living. Everything those trucks are doing is legal and by the book. Let’s see. Attempted murder, shooting at a commercial vehicle, interfering with commerce, damage to equipment. Whoever did this are real pea brains.