On Nov. 24, 2024, at 7:59 PM, officers from the Anchorage Police Department (APD) were dispatched to Barnes & Noble, located at 200 E. Northern Lights Blvd., in response to reports of an adult male who was believed to be stealing merchandise. A member of the Barnes & Noble security team confronted the suspect and asked him to leave the store. In response, the suspect pepper sprayed the security guard and fled the area before officers arrived.

On Nov. 26, 2024, at 2:56 AM, APD officers were called to Chevron at 3608 Spenard Rd. due to reports of an adult male attempting to steal merchandise by hiding it in his pockets. When an employee confronted the suspect, he pepper sprayed the employee and escaped the scene prior to the arrival of officers.

On Dec. 5, 2024, at 4:33 PM, APD officers were dispatched to Lowe’s at 333 E. Tudor Rd. after reports of an adult male who had stolen approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise. When a Lowe’s employee confronted the suspect, he brandished pepper spray and threatened to use it. The suspect then exited the store and rode away on a bicycle. The employee provided a description of the suspect to the officers, who were later able to locate and contact him nearby. Officers transported William Farmer to APD Headquarters where he was interviewed by detectives of the Anchorage Police Department Robbery/Assault Unit.

Through an investigation, it was determined that the same suspect was involved in all three incidents. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old William Farmer. Farmer was charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree (Fear), and Theft in the Second Degree for the incident at Lowe's (APD Case 24-37694). He was charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree for the incident at Barnes & Noble (APD Case 24-36621). Additionally, Farmer was charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree for the incident at Chevron (APD Case 24-36766). William Farmer was subsequently remanded to the Anchorage Correction Complex on these charges.

Charges are allegations made by law enforcement that someone has committed a crime, while a conviction is a formal declaration by a court that the person is guilty of that crime. Individuals should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. To view the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.