Eagle River man gunned down defending property

An Eagle River man who went outside his home on Regency Drive to check on a possible prowler was shot and seriously injured by a man parked in a vehicle nearby. The incident occurred at about 3:30 am on Thursday. The gunshots were heard throughout the neighborhood.

Anchorage police say the victim had confronted a suspected prowler, who is described as a white male, about six feet tall, wearing a gray hoodie and jeans. The person who is believed to have shot the victim drove off in a red compact vehicle, which also may be maroon in color and may be a Dodge 4-door sedan.

Police responded with K-9s and searched the area.

Talk show host and Anchorage Assembly member Amy Demboski asked that residents in the area check their home security cameras to see if they can spot such a vehicle. She said it appears the prowler was checking car doors and may have done so throughout the area, and the driver may have been his accomplice. If so, the pair may show up on surveillance cameras.

Anchorage police are asking those with helpful surveillance video of the suspects call APD Dispatch at 786-8900 (press “0” to speak with an operator).  To remain anonymous you may contact Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or online at www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com. The case number is 18-488.

The victim was rushed to the hospital, underwent emergency surgery and is in the intensive care unit with extensive abdominal damage. He is expected to recover.

The incident marks the first time a resident has been shot while investigating a prowler situation in Anchorage or Eagle River. It is not known if the victim was armed or just checking on a suspicious sound.

“We can’t let the criminals win. We clearly are in a war for our city, yet most politicians refuse to say it,” Demboski said. “Stay vigilant, know the law, and be ready.” On Thursday afternoon, she was heading out for her round of community safety patrolling.

A community town hall is scheduled for Saturday at Eagle River Town Center from 2-4 pm, and a safety seminar sponsored by Rep. Lora Reinbold will follow, from 4-6 pm, with information on crime and personal safety, community patrols.