A driver in Wasilla, Alaska, was immediately arrested after he allegedly crashed his vehicle into a local police department lobby. While no one inside the building was hurt, the driver now faces multiple charges, which could land him in prison for years.
According to a press release issued by the Wasilla Police Department, the incident occurred on May 13 at around 4:45 p.m. The man, identified as 41-year-old Thomas Desalvo II, a Palmer resident, allegedly drove his vehicle into the department building’s front entrance.
The release detailed that Desalvo had entered the WPD’s parking lot through the north entrance, drove around concrete barriers and across the lawn, and crashed into the front artic entryway.
In video footage shared by the Anchorage Daily News, Desalvo’s black sedan is seen pummeling through the front doors and stopping right before a second set of vestibule doors. At the time, one citizen was in the lobby, but they were unharmed, police said.
Things Escalate, Driver Arrested
The masked Desalvo, shortly after crashing into the lobby, took out a can of bear spray and began to deploy it at an officer who had just entered the lobby, police said. The bear spray had no effect, and the clip shows Desalvo disposing of it after making a gassy discharge.
Police officers responded to the vehicle and ordered Desalvo to keep his hands up. He complied, and Wasilla Police Department officers and members of the Alaska State Troopers took him into custody.
Incidents wouldn’t stop there, as Desalvo allegedly assaulted an officer while they attempted to assist him during medical treatment. Furthermore, he is accused of stating that he “should have run the officers over.”
Bomb Squad Summoned, Charges
Still, officers would find more troublesome evidence. “Unusual wires” were observed inside Desalvo’s vehicle, all running to a dashboard switch, police said. Fearing an explosive device, the Wasilla Police Department and the Wasilla High School ball fields were evacuated. As per the Mat-Su Sentinel, a varsity championship softball game was scheduled to take place during the afternoon.
Shortly after, FBI Anchorage Special Agent Bomb Technicians arrived at the scene and conducted a threat assessment. Fortunately, no ongoing threat was detected, and no explosive devices were found.
Thomas Desalvo II, who is being held without bail, was charged with three counts of first-degree terroristic threatening, first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Additional charges remain a possibility.
If convicted of his most serious charges, he could face up to 30 years in prison and be ordered to pay up to $300,000 in fines.
At this time, authorities have not released a booking photo or publicly identified a motive behind the incident.