ANCHORAGE, AK – A brazen, multi-vehicle crime spree culminating in a shootout with police has landed Gian Carlo Clemente Pangilinan, 26, of Anchorage, a decade in federal prison. Pangilinan was sentenced yesterday for his role in the June 6, 2019, theft of 22 firearms from Granny’s Guns, a licensed dealer in Anchorage.
According to court documents, Pangilinan, also known as “G,” and three co-conspirators didn’t just break into Granny’s Guns – they orchestrated a carefully planned operation. It began with the theft of a Chevy Trailblazer, used to access Wrightway Auto Carriers where they pilfered license plates, filing cabinets, and a GMC Sierra pickup. Pangilinan and another accomplice then rammed a Chevy Suburban through the front window of Granny’s Guns, while the remaining two co-conspirators used the stolen pickup to load the 22 firearms into the truck. The haul was then transferred to a black GMC Denali, and the Sierra pickup was set ablaze, apparently in an attempt to cover their tracks.
The crime didn’t end with the theft. Later that same day, Anchorage Police Department officers attempted to stop the Denali and an associated gold pickup. Pangilinan and a co-conspirator, riding in the gold pickup, opened fire on the officers, initiating a dangerous police chase. On June 18, 2019, Pangilinan and two others attempted to recover an impounded vehicle containing one of the stolen firearms from the initial burglary, further demonstrating their continued criminal activity.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska minced no words: “Stolen firearms are a threat to the safety of all Alaskans,” he stated. “The blatant disregard for public safety and law enforcement…show just how dangerous they are to our community.” Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle echoed this sentiment, stating the defendants demonstrated “complete indifference to the safety of others.”
Pangilinan pleaded guilty in September 2022. He isn’t the only one facing consequences. 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, was sentenced to 9 years for his part in the gun theft. All four co-conspirators were indicted in October 2020. Pangilinan also faces charges in state court, suggesting his legal troubles are far from over.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers prosecuted the case, which is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime through a collaborative, evidence-based approach. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal firearms and the commitment of law enforcement to bringing perpetrators to justice.
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