Update on 4/7/22:

At 9:23 PM on April 6, 2022, a citizen called APD Dispatch to report their vehicle had just been stolen while parked at Carrs Gambell at 1340 Gambell Street. The unoccupied vehicle had been left running at the time it was taken.  The car had a push-button style ignition and the keys were not inside.  Shortly thereafter, multiple citizens began calling dispatch about a red Kia Optima being driven recklessly to include being driven the wrong way down the road.

A responding K9 officer saw the vehicle being driven near 6th Avenue and Cordova Street; the vehicle was heavily damaged and travelling at a slow speed. The officer witnessed the Kia being driven on and off the sidewalk and up against the curb. The K9 officer initiated a traffic stop by activating his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights.  The female suspect driver, later identified as 34-year-old Silia Tuimavave, did not yield and continued to drive even though both front tires of the Kia were missing and only the rims were left.  The K9 officer and a swing-shift patrol officer were able to block in the Kia and force it to stop.

As additional units arrived on scene, the vehicle block on the Kia was strengthened.  Multiple commands were given to Silia which she initially refused to comply with.  A CIT-trained negotiator (Crisis Intervention Team) responded and attempted to talk Silia out of the vehicle.  When those efforts failed, officers broke out one of the Kia’s windows at which time Silia emerged from the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident.

Silia Tuimavave was remanded at Hiland Correctional on the charges of Resisting, two counts of Criminal Mischief III, Vehicle Theft I, Reckless Endangerment, and Vehicle Theft I – Damage over $1,000.

Through the investigation it was determined that between the time Silia stole the vehicle from Gambell Street, until the time the stolen vehicle was stopped at 5th and Denali, she had driven the wrong way down several downtown streets.  She also drove through the fence surrounding the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, drove into the cemetery, and then exited back out.  The fence, landscaping, and more than one headstone were all damaged.

Anchorage Police are thankful to all of the citizens who witnessed Silia’s driving behavior, contacted police, and provided excellent statements regarding what they had seen. 

Update on 4/6/22 @ 10:05 PM:

The driver of the vehicle has been taken into custody and the roadway is being re-opened.  There will still be police in the area as the scene is being processed.  
 
Thank you for your cooperation.

Original on 4/6/22 at 9:55 PM:
Anchorage Police have conducted a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle; the occupants inside are refusing to follow officers’ commands.  
 
All lanes of E 5th Avenue are blocked at Denali Street.  Please avoid the area and use another route.  The drone may be used as police work the incident.

APD Case 22-10931

For information on how to obtain the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.