Ariu Lauofo Charged in Two Taxicab Robberies
At 8:54 AM on December 7, 2023, Anchorage Police responded to the robbery of a cab driver. Initial indications are that the taxi responded to a business on the 7800 block of the Old Seward Highway to pick up a customer. Upon arrival an adult male pointed a gun at the driver and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. An investigation was conducted, and evidence was collected, however the suspect was not identified and/or arrested that evening. The victim driver was not injured.
At 8:17 AM on December 10, 2023, Anchorage Police responded to the robbery of a cab driver. Initial indications are that a taxi picked up a fare at a business located on the 4600-block of Mountain View Drive and drove him to the 1000-block of W 27th Avenue. Upon arrival on W 27th the suspect pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the taxi driver, and demanded the driver’s belongings. Eventually the suspect fled on foot without taking anything and without paying the fare. The taxi driver was not injured.
Through the investigation, officers identified the suspect as 25-year-old Ariu T. Lauofo. Lauofo was located at his residence and taken into custody without incident; he was transported to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives. After Lauofo was detained and his apartment was secured, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. Upon entering police discovered very unsanitary conditions and more than two dozen dogs who were not properly fed or watered. Municipal Animal Care and Control responded and took possession of the animals.
During the interview with detectives, it was determined Ariu Lauofo was also responsible for the taxicab robbery on December 7th. Ultimately Lauofo was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Tampering with Physical Evidence, two counts of Robbery I, and Animal Cruelty.
25-year-old Angel A. J. Lauofo lives in the apartment with Ariu. She was also charged with Animal Cruelty.
APD Cases 23-39530, 23-39883 and 23-39902
For information on how to obtain the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.
