Alaska News

Home invasion and gun threat in Wasilla lead to high-speed chase, troopers say

A man who threatened a woman with her own gun during a Wasilla home invasion early Monday was arrested after a high-speed pursuit in the area, troopers said.

Alaska State Troopers first received a report of the incident involving 28-year-old Jacob Gearing, who had forced his way into a home off Scatters Way, at about 2 a.m., according to an online dispatch.

"When the homeowner retrieved a firearm, (Gearing) disarmed her, then pointed the weapon at the homeowner and another occupant," troopers wrote.

Responding troopers saw Gearing driving away from the scene at "a high rate of speed."

"A traffic stop was attempted, at which point the vehicle failed to yield while reaching speeds of 104 mph," troopers wrote. "The pursuit continued for approximately 25 miles until spike strips were successfully deployed. The vehicle then came to a stop along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway."

Gearing took the homeowner's gun with him, troopers said, and the car he was driving had been stolen from Wasilla.

Troopers took Gearing to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility, where he was held without bail on charges of first-degree vehicle theft, eluding and burglary, as well as two counts each of second-degree theft and third-degree assault.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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