At 5:45 PM on March 19, 2023, Anchorage Police responded to the Dimond Center located at 800 E Dimond Boulevard regarding a shoplifter who pulled a gun on security.  Initial indications are that 22-year-old Matthew M. Phillips entered the Sunglasses Hut, removed merchandise from a shelf, and then exited the store without paying.  Dimond Mall Security was contacted; several security officers located Phillips standing outside at the bus depot in the mall’s parking lot. 

When Security informed Phillips he was being detained, Phillips produced a handgun from his person which made Security fear for not only their own safety but for the immediate safety of other citizens standing nearby.  The three security officers were able to subdue Phillips, safely remove the weapon from Phillips’ grasp, and place Phillips into handcuffs.  Phillips was escorted to the mall’s security office; APD responded and took Phillips into custody.

Matthew Phillips was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Robbery I, three counts of Assault III, Misconduct Involving a Weapon III – Felon in Possession, and Theft III.

APD Case 23-9060

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