Murder suspect seriously injured in shooting involving police officer in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A suspect in a recent murder case was shot and wounded by police on the outskirts of downtown Anchorage Friday night.

Anchorage police said officers tracked down the man after three complainants told police the location of an armed bicyclist who was “looking for them.”

“On the way to the scene, information was passed on that led officers to believe this suspect was involved in yesterday's murder,” APD Chief Sean Case said at a press conference.

The man, who Case later determined to be the murder suspect, was shot in the 200 block of North Post Road, according to the original report.

Case said officers first saw the suspect while speaking with the plaintiffs inside a store and then went back outside to follow him in their respective vehicles. When they caught up to him, officers ordered the man to drop his weapon, Case said.

Case said that after a “considerable period of time,” the suspect turned around and fired at least one shot at officers, after which an officer fired several shots.

After falling and getting back up, the suspect fired several more shots at the officers. He was then shot again and injured.

“Although I have given some details on the number of rounds, I just want to make sure [you know] “This is not the official number of shots fired. We will be holding another press conference in the next few days where we can provide more specific details on the exact number of shots fired,” Case said.

The suspect was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, the APD said. The officers were not injured.

Case concluded his brief press conference by noting the high number of 14 murders and seven police-involved shootings in Anchorage this year.

“Our officers are under extreme pressure and are being closely watched, and yet they continue to put themselves in harm's way while performing their duty to keep this community safe,” Case said.

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