Update on 3/6/23:

At 10:44 PM on March 3, 2023, APD Dispatch was notified that an Alaska State Trooper had attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Eagle River on a stolen GMC Yukon.  While doing so the driver of a separate stolen vehicle (a red 2006 Chevy pickup) pulled up alongside the trooper, produced a handgun, and pointed it at the trooper. The drivers of both stolen vehicles fled the scene and headed towards Anchorage on the Glenn Highway.  Descriptions of the involved stolen vehicles were given to APD officers.  The trooper was not injured.

At 6:56 AM on March 4th, an APD officer saw the stolen Chevy parked outside a business on the 3400-block of Commercial Drive.   The suspect vehicle was driven from the area as the officer was getting turned around in traffic.  The Chevy pickup was reacquired in traffic shortly thereafter by APD officers.  As the suspect was driving southbound on Gambell Street, he saw the police cars and quickly accelerated (the APD officers had not yet activated their emergency lights and/or sirens).

The suspect, 28-year-old Nicholas J. Newberry, turned eastbound onto 6th Avenue from Gambell Street.  In doing so, Newberry ran the red light and struck a 2014 blue Chevy sedan that was travelling eastbound on 6th.  After striking the Chevy, Newberry struck an unoccupied blue BMW that was parked in a lot on the northeast corner of the intersection.  Due to being struck by Newberry, the Chevy sedan was pushed into a 2014 silver Subaru SUV that was also travelling eastbound on 6th.  The driver of the Chevy sedan was transported to the hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.  No one else was injured in the collision. After the crash, Newberry fled the scene on foot.

Additional APD officers arrived and set up a perimeter.  One of those officers saw Newberry walking near Juneau Street and E 5th Avenue; he was taken into custody without further incident.  Newberry was transported to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives.  It was determined that Newberry had been driving the red Chevy in Eagle River and he was the person who had pointed a weapon at the Trooper.  At the conclusion of the interview, Newberry was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on two outstanding felony warrants.  He was additionally charged with Vehicle Theft I, Misconduct Involving a Weapon III – Felon in Possession, Assault III – Fear Assault with a Weapon, and Hinder Prosecution I.

During the search for Newberry, officers contacted 46-year-old Princewill A. David.  A computer check showed he had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.  David was taken into custody and remanded at the Anchorage Jail on that warrant.

As of the morning of March 4th, officers had not located the stolen Yukon or its driver.

Original on 3/4/23:

There is a large police presence around 6th and Gambell for an ongoing investigation.

The intersection of 6th and Gambell is currently closed, and traffic is being diverted to Fairbanks Street. Please avoid the area. If you must be in the area, please follow officer instructions. Thank you for your cooperation.

Depending on the situation, our response may require using a variety of tactics and tools, to include the drone.

APD Cases 23-7245, 23-7278, 23-7279, and 23-7280