Three arrested after downtown robbery, beating

February 19, 2010

Nicholas Kozorra is one of three Anchorage men arrested in the beating. (Bill Costello/KTUU-DT)

by Rebecca Palsha
Thursday, February 18, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A brutal beating Wednesday night put an Anchorage man in intensive care.

Thursday three men were arraigned for assault and theft for a robbery that happened in a popular downtown park.

It's a dangerous situation that happened during peak hours at the Town Square Park, leaving some wondering how safe downtown really is.

Most people flip for Town Square Park, especially skateboarders.

"It's pretty good. No one really says anything, we just skate and no one bothers us," said Zack Bourdon.

And families step out to enjoy an icy evening.

For Arnold Gonzales and his son Averien, the park is a nice little place in Anchorage.

"It's pretty nice. We usually like it around this time of year, usually there's more snow," Gonzales said.

But Wednesday night, it was not so safe.

Police say three men: 26-year-old Terrel Brewer, 20-year-old Nicholas Kozorra and 20-year-old Brian Morissette beat and robbed a man so badly last night that the victim, Robert Estes, ended up in intensive care.

"They came into contact with a victim there and apparently tried to steal his wallet which ultimately, I believe was dropped as they were leaving. They also were stealing his shoes, now why they stole his shoes, I don't know, but they took his shoes. They kicked him repeatedly in the head, he was repeatedly struck with fists," APD Lt. Dave Parker said.

Police say the violence didn't stop there.

"They were found a little later on located by our Sgt. Paiz as he was patrolling the area looking for them, they were located at the BAC or the bus accommodation center in the process of assaulting another person and again it was an older man that they were assaulting," Parker said.

Park users say usually the area seems safe, but always take precautions.

"I think it's still safe no matter where you're going to be in the U.S., no matter where you're going to be in the world, something's going to happen and you can't prevent it," Gonzales said.

"As long as you use common sense and stay out of dangerous situations and be aware of your surroundings I think it's fine," said Kim Klein.

Police say Estes is still in the hospital.

Brewer's bail is $100,000; it's $50,000 for Morissette and Kozorra.

Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com

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