Steven Thomas charged after almost colliding with a K9 officer due to running a stop sign

At 10:20 PM on March 5, 2022, an adult male driving a Chevy Malibu ran the stop sign at W 34th Avenue and Eureka Street.  In doing so, he nearly struck a K9 patrol vehicle that was travelling westbound on W 34th; the officer had to abruptly swerve to avoid the collision.  The K9 officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver.  The driver told the officer he did not have any ID on him; the driver provided the officer with a name and social security number. 

The officer returned to his patrol vehicle and conducted a computer check on the name the driver had provided.  The corresponding DMV-issued photo did not match the person the officer was speaking with.  Once an IDEU officer (Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit) arrived on scene, the K9 officer told the driver he knew the driver had not given his real information.  The driver immediately became uncooperative and refused to step out of the vehicle.  The IDEU officer reached through the passenger side of the Chevy and removed the key from the ignition (the vehicle had previously been turned off).   Initially the driver started fighting with the IDEU officer, but then the driver pulled out a spare vehicle key from his person and placed the key in the ignition.  Prior to turning the car on, the K9 officer was able to reach through the driver’s side of the Chevy and pull the second key from the ignition. 

The entire time the driver was physically combative with both officers.  The two officers, one on either side of the vehicle, were each able to control one of the suspect’s arms and hold the suspect driver in place until more units arrived. Once backup units were on scene, the driver exited the Chevy and was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, 41-year-old Steven D. Thomas, gave his correct information to the police.  Subsequent to confirming the ID, officers found that Thomas had an outstanding felony arrest warrant along with a revoked driver’s license.   Thomas was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on his warrant.  He was also charged with False Information, Resisting, and Reckless Endangerment.  Thomas was additionally cited for Driving While License Revoked.

APD Case 22-7311

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