Anchorage police say a 56-year-old man died after his SUV crashed at low speed into the side of the Carrs Safeway store at the Northway Mall early Thursday morning.
APD spokesperson Dani Myren says police were informed of the crash at the 3101 Penland Pkwy. store at about 1:50 a.m. A 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Peniata Tauinaola, was moving at about 5 to 10 mph near the store and apparently attempting to park in front of the building’s southwest side.
“Instead of stopping, however, the vehicle continued without (braking), lightly sideswiping a parked (Ford Expedition) before crossing the sidewalk and crashing into the building,” Myren wrote.
Tauinaola was found unconscious with no visible injuries and taken to Alaska Regional Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. His next of kin have been notified.
According to APD spokesperson Anita Shell, there aren’t any indications of foul play or reports that Tauinaola was driving erratically before the crash, with neither drugs nor alcohol apparently involved. She says an autopsy will probably be performed to determine his cause of death.
“It was likely a medical condition, not the impact,” Shell said.
The vehicles in the crash sustained minor damage and no monetary damage was caused to the building.
Contact Chris Klint
