Crime & Courts

Police: Halfway-house escapee steals bicycle in Fairview, hits officer’s car

A fugitive from an Anchorage halfway house, sought for more than four months, was arrested Tuesday night riding a stolen bicycle in Fairview, police said.

Police spokesperson Anita Shell said Wednesday that Filipo Rhode, 38, was spotted by downtown officers just before 7:15 p.m. Tuesday near 13th Avenue and Ingra Street.

"It looks like the suspect then obtained a bicycle near 14th Avenue, where he hit an officer's car passenger-side mirror," Shell said.

After being checked by medics and determined to be unhurt, Rhode was arrested on charges of vehicle theft, eluding and criminal mischief, in addition to three outstanding warrants against him.

Earlier this year, Rhode was lodged at the Cordova Center downtown, following his January arrest on felony charges of burglary, theft and vehicle theft. On May 7, police said, he and 42-year-old Tagaloa Tanuvasa walked away from the halfway house.

Tanuvasa, an alleged member of an Anchorage vehicle-theft ring, turned himself in days later but Rhode remained at large. Following his Tuesday arrest, Rhode was held without bail at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.

Chris Klint

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

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