NOTN- A man in Juneau is facing assault charges after police say he threatened a neighbor with a handgun during a backyard dispute in the Mendenhall Valley.

Below is the full information release by JPD;

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, at approximately 7:16 p.m., the Juneau Police Department responded to a residence in the 3200 block of Tongass Boulevard following a report of an assault involving a firearm.

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. 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.

Through the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Hemaloto Fotu, 55, of Juneau, who was believed to have returned to his nearby residence in the 3200 block of Tongass Boulevard. Due to the nature of the incident and the belief that the suspect was armed, members of the Juneau Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and Drone Team responded to assist.

Using the loudspeaker on an armored vehicle, officers established communication with two occupants inside the residence—an adult female and a juvenile male. 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.

During the subsequent search of the residence, investigators located a handgun believed to have been used during the assault.

Fotu was arrested and lodged at Lemon Creek Correctional Center on the following charges:

• Assault in the Third Degree (a Class C Felony)
• Assault in the 4th Degree (a Class A Misdemeanor)

This investigation remains ongoing. 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