On February 14, 2024, Anchorage Police were tipped off about the whereabouts of Bryce E. Beltz, a 29-year-old man wanted on three warrants: federal, state, and municipal. Beltz was found at a fast-food restaurant’s drive-thru, in a Chevy Tahoe. Police were told Beltz might be armed, which led to increased caution during the operation.
Police tried to block Beltz’s vehicle, but he escaped by reversing into a Dodge Ram behind him. A police sergeant avoided collision as Beltz fled the scene. Despite his initial escape, Beltz was pursued and caught after his vehicle got stuck in a snowbank.
Upon arrest, Beltz resisted but complied after a taser warning. Officers observed signs of impairment and conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), resulting in a DUI charge. However, a breath sample from Beltz showed no alcohol, leading to a blood draw under a search warrant.
While being processed at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, Correctional Officers found drugs on his person, leading to additional charges. Beltz was jailed on his three warrants and charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Promote Contraband I, Reckless Endangerment, DUI, Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance IV, Fail to Stop, and Criminal Mischief IV. The person in the Dodge Ram struck by Beltz was not injured.