Robert Lee JR and Bruce Gerke arrested in stolen vehicle investigation; spotted by off-duty officer

At 1:21 PM on July 25, 2022, a 2014 red Nissan Titan was reported as stolen to APD.   The vehicle was parked outside of a residence on the 4500-block of Lake Otis Parkway at the time it was taken.  The owner stated the vehicle was locked and there were no keys inside of it.

The next day, at 11:10 AM on July 26th, an off-duty officer driving his personal vehicle saw the stolen vehicle being driven into a business parking lot on the 200-block of Fireweed Lane.  The off-duty officer called for backup and kept eyes on the vehicle as the suspect driver parked and then went inside the business.  Another person remained inside the stolen Nissan.  On-duty officers arrived and blocked in the Nissan.  They gave commands to the passenger who was compliant and taken into custody without incident.

While some of the officers were interacting with the passenger, others confirmed the suspect driver’s physical description with both the off-duty officer and another citizen witness.  When the suspect driver exited the building, he was approached by police and taken into custody without incident.

The driver, 33-year-old Bruce N. Gerke, and the passenger, 34-year-old Robert E. Lee JR, were transported to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives.  Afterwards, Bruce Gerke was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Vehicle Theft I and Theft II.  Robert Lee JR was remanded at the jail on an outstanding warrant.  Lee was additionally charged with Violate Conditions of Release and Criminal Mischief V – Riding in a Stolen Vehicle.

APD Case 22-24128

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