At 2:28 PM on November 19, 2023, a gray 2018 Ford Escape was reported as stolen to the Anchorage Police Department from the 100-block of Oklahoma Street.  The unoccupied vehicle was parked in front of a residence, with the keys inside, at the time of the theft.

At 12:48 AM on November 24, 2023, a mid-shift patrol officer saw a Ford Escape in traffic near E 6th Avenue and Ingra Street.  The Ford’s headlights were not on, and a computer check of the license plate came back to a different vehicle.  The officer followed the Escape until backup units could arrive.  At the intersection of E 15th Avenue and Fairbanks Street, one of the officers initiated a traffic stop by activating his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights.  Upon seeing this, the suspect attempted to get away by driving into a snowbank. The Ford was blocked in by patrol vehicles; the suspect exited the passenger side and attempted to run.  He was quickly taken to the ground by two officers.  The suspect physically fought but was eventually handcuffed. Once in the back of a patrol car, the suspect gave a name and date of birth that was not his own.

The suspect was taken to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives; during the pat search, methamphetamine was found on his person.  Detectives discovered and confirmed the suspect’s real identity.  While the interview was occurring, other officers searched the stolen Escape and discovered a handgun.  Consent for the search had been obtained by the vehicle’s owner.

At the conclusion of the interview, detectives charged 40-year-old Puipuia L. Alaelua with Fail to Stop, Resisting Arrest, False Information, Vehicle Theft I, Theft II, Misconduct Involving a Weapon III – Felon in Possession, Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance III, and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance V.  A patrol officer transported Alaelua for remand at the Anchorage Jail on an existing felony warrant and new criminal offenses.  Once there, it was discovered Alaelua had fentanyl hidden inside his body.  After the recovery of those drugs, the charges of Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance II and Misconduct Involving a Weapon II were added.

Alaelua’s existing felony warrant was for a Parole Violation on original Assault II and Promoting Contraband I charges.

APD Case 23-37585

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