K9 Midas Apprehended Trace Johnston in Stolen Vehicle Investigation

At 12:19 PM on May 14, 2023, a 2020 black GMC Sierra pickup was reported as stolen to APD.  The vehicle was parked outside a business on the 20900-block of Bill Stephens Drive in Chugiak when it was taken.  There were keys inside the truck at the time of the theft. 

Twenty minutes later a day shift patrol officer spotted the occupied vehicle parked in a business parking lot on the 16600-block of Centerfield Drive in Eagle River.  Officers blocked in the truck with their patrol vehicles.  Officers spent approximately one hour negotiating with 42-year-old Trace A. Johnston to exit the truck.  Multiple less lethal warnings were given however Johnston refused to cooperate; Johnston was the sole occupant. 

Pepper ball was deployed into the pickup; Johnston remained inside the truck.  K9 Midas was released into the stolen pickup through an open window.  Midas contacted Johnston on both arms which caused Johnston to exit the vehicle and become compliant.  Johnston was evaluated at the scene by AFD medics and then transported to a local hospital for treatment of pepper ball exposure and the dog bite.

Once he was medically cleared, Johnston was interviewed by detectives at the Anchorage Police Department.  Afterwards he was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Vehicle Theft I, Theft II, and Resisting Arrest.

None of the officers nor K9 Midas were injured. 

APD Case 23-15632

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