ANCHORAGE – Gian Carlo Clemente Pangilinan, 26, known on the streets as “G,” is headed for a decade in federal prison after being sentenced yesterday for his role in a brazen 2019 gun store robbery. The heist at Granny’s Guns, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Anchorage, saw 22 weapons stolen and unleashed a wave of violence that spilled onto Anchorage streets.
Court documents detail a meticulously planned operation. Pangilinan and three co-conspirators first boosted a stolen Chevy Trailblazer, then targeted Wrightway Auto Carriers, making off with license plates, filing cabinets, and a GMC Sierra pickup. The Sierra was intended as the getaway vehicle for the main event: a smash-and-grab at Granny’s Guns. Pangilinan and one accomplice drove a second stolen vehicle, a Chevy Suburban, directly through the front window of the gun store, while the others used the stolen pickup to load the 22 firearms. The stolen goods were later transferred to a black GMC Denali, and the Sierra was torched in a clumsy attempt to erase evidence.
The chaos didn’t end with the theft. Later that same day, Anchorage Police Department officers attempted to pull over the GMC Denali and an accompanying gold pickup. The situation escalated quickly, with shots fired from the gold pickup, occupied by Pangilinan and a co-conspirator. On June 18, 2019, Pangilinan and two others even tried to reclaim an impounded vehicle containing one of the stolen firearms – a desperate attempt to salvage the operation. All four were eventually indicted in October 2020 and brought to justice.
“Stolen firearms are a threat to the safety of all Alaskans,” stated U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “The blatant disregard for public safety and law enforcement both during and after this series of violent crimes by Pangilinan and his co-conspirators show just how dangerous they are to our community. We will continue to work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to fight violent crime and keep our communities safe from people who endanger our neighborhoods.” Police Chief Michael Kerle echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the “complete indifference to the safety of others” demonstrated by the defendants.
Pangilinan isn’t the only one facing consequences. His co-conspirators are also feeling the heat. Muna Junior Rode, 23, has pleaded guilty to stealing firearms and awaits sentencing. Kao Chiang Saelee, aka “Robbie,” 40, received a 5-year sentence for conspiracy to steal firearms. Hans Mikaele Wells, aka “Mika,” 26, earned a 9-year sentence for his involvement in the gun theft. Pangilinan also faces additional charges in state court, meaning his legal troubles are far from over. The investigation was a joint effort by the Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships. PSN aims to identify the most dangerous offenders and connect them with preventative and reentry programs to break the cycle of violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers prosecuted the case, bringing a measure of closure to this dangerous chapter in Anchorage’s criminal landscape.
Related Federal Cases
- Abreain Terron Dalton Gets 15 Years for Anchorage Drug, Gun Crimes · Alaska
- Arnold Wesley Flowers II Convicted in Anchorage Drug, Gun Case · Alaska
- Anchorage Bandit Sentenced to Decade for Gun Heist · Alaska
- Fairbanks Gun Thief Darel Puller Indicted · Alaska
- Anchorage Man Gets 11 Years for Firearm and Drug Crimes · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News