Trooper shoots man brandishing handgun

By HEATHER A. RESZ

Frontiersman.com

WASILLA — An Anchorage man was shot after he led police on a high-speed chase in his vehicle, then pointed a handgun at Alaska State Troopers while fleeing on foot Wednesday night.

Troopers say the incident began around 9:20 p.m., July 4 when they tried to stop a red 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix southbound near Mile 44, Parks Highway in Wasilla. The vehicle’s sole occupant was identified as Albert Samoa Maifea, 35, of Anchorage.

Maifea ran a red light on the Parks Highway and began driving into the oncoming lane while passing traffic, troopers report. Maifea exceed 100 mph while driving southbound on Knik-Goose Bay Road — a designated highway safety corridor — before turning onto Edlund Road and then onto Fairview Loop Road. Near the intersection of Lookout Drive on Fairview Loop, Maifea stopped the vehicle and fled on foot.

After Maifea pointed a handgun at a pursuing trooper, the officer discharged his weapon, striking Maifea. The trooper involved was not injured and will not be identified for 72 hours, per trooper policy.

Mat-Su Emergency Medical Services responded and Maifea was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation determined that Maifea was driving with a revoked operator’s license and had an outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrant from the Anchorage Court for malicious mischief to private property.

Troopers said two witnesses in a nearby vehicle who saw the shooting were interviewed on scene. The investigation is ongoing at this time and no charges had been filed against Maifea as of press time, according to AST spokesperson Megan Peters.

Other residents who may have witnessed a part of this pursuit or shooting event are encouraged to contact the Alaska State Troopers Investigator Granda in Palmer at 746-9106.