The sign at the corner of Franklin and Front Street is pictured on Thursday, August 2, 2018. (Juneau Empire File)

The sign at the corner of Franklin and Front Street is pictured on Thursday, August 2, 2018. (Juneau Empire File)

Passerby halts assault with ‘bear hug’

Thomas May now in custody after hitting another man downtown

Multiple passersby intervened Tuesday evening during a downtown assault, police say, and one got up close and personal with the accused attacker.

At about 5:19 p.m. Tuesday, the Juneau Police Department got multiple calls about a man with a knife hitting another man repeatedly, according to a JPD press release. Witnesses told police that a 51-year-old man and 44-year-old woman were walking near the clock at the corner of Franklin and Front streets at the time when a man, identified as 39-year-old Thomas J. May, began yelling at them.

[Man arrested for threatening, robbing pedestrians with gun]

May, a Juneau resident, then began punching the 51-year-old man, police say. Several people intervened, and a 37-year-old Juneau man jumped in and put May in a “bear hug,” as the police describe it in the release. The man released May quickly, concerned because May had a knife on him, the release states.

After the 37-year-old man subdued him, May fled the scene. The 51-year-old man and his companion both knew May, and were able to identify him to police.

Officers found May in a matter of minutes, arrested him for third-degree assault and took him to Lemon Creek Correctional Center.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Two flags with pro-life themes, including the lower one added this week to one that’s been up for more than a year, fly along with the U.S. and Alaska state flags at the Governor’s House on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Doublespeak: Dunleavy adds second flag proclaiming pro-life allegiance at Governor’s House

First flag that’s been up for more than a year joined by second, more declarative banner.

Students play trumpets at the first annual Jazz Fest in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Fortier)
Join the second annual Juneau Jazz Fest to beat the winter blues

Four-day music festival brings education of students and Southeast community together.

Frank Richards, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., speaks at a Jan. 6, 2025, news conference held in Anchorage by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy and Randy Ruaro, executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, are standing behind RIchards. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
For fourth consecutive year, gas pipeline boss is Alaska’s top-paid public executive

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, had the highest compensation among state legislators after all got pay hike.

Juneau Assembly Member Maureen Hall (left) and Mayor Beth Weldon (center) talk to residents during a break in an Assembly meeting Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, about the establishment of a Local Improvement District that would require homeowners in the area to pay nearly $6,300 each for barriers to protect against glacial outburst floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Flood district plan charging property owners nearly $6,300 each gets unanimous OK from Assembly

117 objections filed for 466 properties in Mendenhall Valley deemed vulnerable to glacial floods.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney gives the State of the University address in Juneau on Jan. 30, 2025. She highlighted the wide variety of educational and vocational programs as creating opportunities for students, and for industries to invest in workforce development and the future of Alaska’s economy. (Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
University of Alaska president highlights impact on workforce, research and economy in address

Pat Pitney also warns “headwinds” are coming with federal executive orders and potential budget cuts.

Most Read