On February 7, 2024, a 2007 Chevy Montecarlo was reported stolen in Anchorage. The car was left unlocked with the keys inside outside a business on Arctic Boulevard. Later, an officer spotted the stolen car near Lake Otis Parkway and E Tudor Road. The car was found on Gilmore Court, with 31-year-old Sabu S. Utai identified as the suspect.
When Utai realized he was being followed, he tried to escape by reversing into the officer’s vehicle and then running away. He ignored the officer’s commands and tried to enter a nearby house. The officer tried to apprehend Utai, but he resisted.
Utai kicked at the police dog, AC, and tried to enter the house. During a physical altercation, Utai punched the officer. The arrival of another officer helped to subdue Utai. Despite his resistance, the officers managed to handcuff him with the help of K9 AC.
The officer did not need medical attention after the altercation. Neither the police dog nor any other officers were injured. Utai was taken to the hospital for a dog bite to his arm and leg.