Man suspected of armed confrontation arrested after police surround Mendenhall Valley home

Hemaloto Fotu, 55, accused of threatening to shoot another man in neighborhood; JPD sends drone inside residence to locate suspect

A Mendenhall Valley neighborhood where an alleged confrontation by one man threatening another at gunpoint resulted in police surrounding the suspect’s house and arresting him on Saturday, July 25, 2026. (Google Maps image)

Juneau Independent staff

A Juneau man accused of threatening to shoot a neighbor during a backyard argument Saturday night was subsequently arrested after returning home and falling asleep, with police surrounding the residence and sending a drone inside to locate him, according to the Juneau Police Department.

Hemaloto Fotu, 55, was arrested on two assault charges after police responded to a call at 7:16 p.m. about the alleged confrontation in a Mendenhall Valley neighborhood, according to a JPD information release issued Sunday.

"The preliminary investigation determined that an adult male suspect confronted another adult male in the victim's backyard at his residence in the 3200 block of Tongass Boulevard following a verbal dispute," the release notes. "During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly threatened to shoot the victim while displaying a handgun. A physical struggle ensued, during which the victim was able to prevent the suspect from firing the weapon. The suspect then fled the area on foot with the firearm."

Members of JPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and Drone Team subsequently surrounded Fotu’s residence nearby after he was identified as the suspect, according to the release.

"Using the loudspeaker on an armored vehicle, officers established communication with two occupants inside the residence — an adult female and a juvenile male," the release states. "Both exited the residence without incident. Shortly afterward, officers deployed a drone inside the residence and located Fotu asleep in a bedroom. Fotu awoke to the sound of the drone and, after continued verbal commands from officers, exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident."

A handgun believed to have been used during the assault was located inside the residence, according to JPD.

Fotu was charged with third-degree assault (a Class C felony) and fourth-degree assault (a Class A misdemeanor), and taken to Lemon Creek Correctional Center.

"This investigation remains ongoing," the JPD release notes. "Anyone with information regarding this incident who has not yet spoken with investigators is encouraged to contact the Juneau Police Department at (907) 586-0600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Juneau Crime Line at www.juneaucrimeline.com."

• Contact the Juneau Independent at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.