Anchorage police say a man and a teenage boy helped police capture a 28-year-old man who escaped the mental health unit of the Anchorage Correctional Complex Friday morning.
Kevin Tuckfield reportedly left the jail on foot around 8:22 a.m., according to a statement from the Anchorage Police Department. Alaska State Troopers assisting in the case reported Tuckfield was able to make his escape by climbing over the fence in the jail’s yard.
Just before 11:40 a.m., a woman vacuuming her car at a car wash on Lake Otis Parkway was approached by a man who was later identified as Tuckfield. He allegedly implied to her that he had a gun, and began forcing her into her vehicle. She began screaming and fighting back, and was eventually able to escape from Tuckfield, who fled.
A 39-year-old man nearby came over to assist the woman, and stayed with her while calling for emergency help. A 16-year-old male driving a white truck followed the suspect, according to a statement from police. Police were able to find and arrest Tuckfield thanks to information from the teenager.
Tuckfield was charged with third and fourth-degree assault, second-degree escape, kidnapping and robbery, according to APD spokeswoman Jennifer Castro in a prepared statement.
“The Anchorage Police Department would like to recognize the outstanding work of these citizens who were able to intervene in a dangerous situation – their actions made a difference in helping keep our community safe,” Castro wrote.