This story originates from KYUK Public Media and was published with permission
BETHEL — Bethel resident Resty Balantac Jr. is facing felony and misdemeanor assault charges after a night of partying turned violent earlier this month.
The 23 year old is charged with first degree assault, Bethel Police said in early October, Balantac stabbed another male in the abdomen during a fight. Police also charged him with fourth degree assault for striking his girlfriend.
According to a police affidavit filed in court, the Bethel Police Department received a call on Oct. 10, around 3 in the morning saying a man had assaulted his girlfriend and was trying to pick fights with other people at a party near the 900 block of Ridgecrest in Bethel.
Witnesses said Balantac and his girlfriend had been arguing during the party. She eventually went back home, and Balantac followed her. Balantac said there was another argument at their home and he slapped her. People at the party said they saw “a huge Samoan guy,” Balantac, hitting his girlfriend in the face.
One female witness said the onlookers started yelling at Balantac after seeing that happen through the window. The girlfriend left the house and was taken in by other people who were at the party. Balantac came out of his home to follow her.
Witnesses said Balantac then tried to enter the house but several people blocked him from doing so.
In his police statement, Balantac said he was trying to make his way past them when a woman kicked him in the mouth. He said he fell back down the stairs, where he got kicked again. Then, a fight started between Balantac and a man. Witnesses then said Balantac left the scene and went back to his house after the fight broke up.
Police received several calls moments later that a man had been stabbed and that Balantac was attempting to stab more people.
In a police statement, Balantac said he was angry about the fight when he got home and grabbed a kitchen knife-which he pocketed along with another pocketknife he said he usually carries. He went outside to confront the men who he said were calling him names.
During the confrontation, Balantac stabbed a 24-year-old man and threw the knife into a nearby pond. Another male told police he saw his friend fall to the ground and ran to help. He said he and Balantac began fighting until Balantac pulled out another knife and he backed away. Balantac then went home. Police and EMT’s from the local fire department arrived on scene.
Police said they saw one man lying on the ground, bleeding from the abdomen surrounded by people trying to assist him. Medics assessed and transported the victim to the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation. He was later medivaced to Anchorage where he was listed in critical condition. As of Thursday, Oct. 22, Providence Alaska Medical Center said he was released but would not comment any further.
While investigating, police said they were told Balantac had stabbed the man. Police contacted Balantac at his home. After conducting an interview, police charged Banaltac with assault in the first degree and assault in the fourth degree. He was remanded to the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center. He was arraigned earlier this month. He is due back in court Dec. 10 for a pretrial hearing.
