Man drove vehicle into Dimond Center entrance and threatened mall security with machete, police say

A 44-year-old man drove his vehicle into an entrance of the Dimond Center mall early Monday and threatened security officers with a machete, Anchorage police said.

Officers were called to the south entrance of the mall off Old Seward Highway just before 2 a.m., police wrote in an online alert. Officers tried to negotiate with the man, who was later identified as Rogelio Rogel, outside the mall, the statement said.

“Rogel refused to comply with all instructions given to include putting down his weapon,” police said.

Officers deployed a police dog that bit Rogel on the leg, according to the statement. Rogel swung the machete at the dog and caused a laceration to one of his legs. An officer deployed a stun gun and several other officers were able to remove the machete from Rogel’s hand and handcuff him, police said.

Rogel was treated at a hospital for the dog bite, police said. He is facing charges of harming a police dog, five counts of assault, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, driving while license is revoked and felony operating under the influence.

No mall security personnel were injured and the K9 was released back to duty after receiving staples in its leg, police said.

Monday morning, a glass doorway on the south side of the mall was paneled over and caution tape surrounded the entrance.