FBI Bomb Squad Response to Wasilla Crash Exposes Local Capacity Gaps

Thomas Desalvo II, 41, of Palmer drove a black sedan into the front entrance of the Wasilla Police Department headquarters at 4:43 p.m. on May 13, 2026. The crash damaged the lobby doors but did not breach the reception area, according to the Wasilla Police Department and a detailed account published by the Mat-Su Sentinel.

Desalvo deployed bear spray from the vehicle before officers removed him and transported him to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility in Palmer. He faces three counts of first-degree terroristic threatening, criminal mischief, third- and fourth-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. That's eight charges total.

The building was evacuated. Nearby Wasilla High School's softball field was cleared while officers secured the area and checked for chemical or explosive hazards.

The FBI confirmed on social media that its bomb technicians responded to evaluate the vehicle. Anchorage Police Department explosives team members joined the FBI bomb technicians in examining the sedan late Wednesday night. They reported no additional threats. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Seattle Field Division, which covers Alaska, coordinated with Wasilla police following the incident.

Desalvo was treated on scene for what police described as minor injuries before being taken to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. No officers, staff, or members of the public inside the building were injured.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is served by three police forces: the Alaska State Troopers with 54 officers, the Wasilla Police Department with 29 officers, and the Palmer Police Department with 15 officers.

Operations at the police department resumed after the scene was declared safe.