At 1:01 AM on November 15, 2022, a mid-shift patrol officer saw a 2004 silver Dodge Neon being driven recklessly on Taku Drive near Fireoved Drive.  The suspect driver was running stop signs, speeding, and passing vehicles by driving the wrong way in opposing lanes of traffic.  While turning around in traffic to catch up, the officer briefly lost sight of the Neon.  A short time later, that same officer re-located the Dodge near McCarrey Street and Mountain View Drive; the vehicle was still being driven in a dangerous manner. 

Initially the officer followed the Dodge from a distance while waiting for backup units to arrive.  However, the officer became concerned for the safety of other drivers on the roadway due to the Neon driver’s behavior which was indicative of someone who was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  The officer activated his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights as he caught up to the Dodge.  Once the officer was directly behind the Neon near Bragaw Street and Richmond Avenue, he activated his patrol vehicle’s siren. 

The suspect driver did not stop.  Instead, he continued slowly through the Mountain View neighborhood while rolling through stop signs and driving over curbs.  Due to the lack of other vehicles and pedestrians in that immediate area, the officer was able to safely follow the Dodge.  Eventually, due to travelling at slow speeds, the officer was able to block the Dodge in utilizing both is patrol vehicle and a snowbank near N Park Street and Thompson Avenue.  Once the Dodge was stopped, the driver hopped out and ran.  The officer gave chase and was able to catch the driver within about 15 feet of the traffic stop.  Just as the officer was going hands-on with the suspect, the suspect was reaching into his waistband.  As the officer took the suspect to the ground, the suspect dropped a large knife.  The suspect physically resisted and punched the officer.  Immediately thereafter backup units arrived, and 30-year-old Jerell R. Haywood was handcuffed.

During their interaction with Haywood, officers made several observations consistent with behaviors displayed by someone who is under the influence of a controlled substance.  Medics responded and evaluated Haywood.  Once a search warrant was obtained, Haywood’s blood was drawn.

Haywood was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on four outstanding warrants.  He was additionally charged with Fail to Stop, Reckless Driving, Resisting, and Driving under the Influence.  Haywood had two adult passengers in the vehicle with him.  Neither one was injured or criminally charged.

 APD Case 22-36925