Three members of the Anchorage Assembly issued a statement regarding the shooting at the Centennial Campground on Wednesday evening. Assemblywoman Jamie Allard and Assemblymen Kevin Cross and Randy Sulte provided this statement to the media:
“Wednesday night, July 20, 2022, two Anchorage Police Department officers responded to the Centennial Campground and conducted a field interview with a known suspect from an earlier eluding.
“The suspect was uncooperative and fought with the officers. At one point the suspect produced a handgun and fired at the officers. One of our city’s police officers was struck in the abdomen.
“Both officers returned fire and struck the suspect multiple times. Our victim officer was transported to Providence Hospital for emergency treatment. Dozens of police officers and first responders heroically and immediately responded to the scene to provide aid and stabilize the situation.
“The officer is out of surgery, stable and his family was able to visit. Additional information will come out later as the officer recovers. Visitation is still limited at the hospital, and it is requested everyone stay away for now and await more information.
“The suspect shooter was transported to Alaska Native Medical Center and is expected to survive.
“This is a stark reminder of the risk and sacrifices our fine men and women of the Anchorage Police Department and our emergency responders face on a daily basis each time they put on their uniform and take to the streets of our beloved city to respond to threats, enforce laws, and lend help to those in need.
“We wish the officer involved a full and speedy recovery and know this officer will receive the full and overwhelming support of our community.
“Our hearts also go out to the victim officer’s family, the police officer’s partner, the entire APD force, emergency medical technicians, friends, and colleagues during these difficult times. We can only imagine the impact of this news and are thankful the outcome was not more severe.
“We are also thankful for the deep knowledge, experience, and training that have been provided to our officers by our city and the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association (APDEA) to handle the multitude of situations that they face on a daily basis.
“The department and APDEA are always looking for new officers and if you feel you have what it takes to answer the call, we encourage you to reach out to APD and APDEA.
“For the rest of us in the Municipality, we need to unify and help where we can by being vigilant stewards of our neighborhoods, reporting crimes, and volunteering for local community patrols, neighborhood watches, and other civic groups where we are able.”
The three members of the Assembly, who represent the minority conservative branch of the 12-member body, included links to where people can apply to become involved in public safety in Anchorage:
APDEA: Home – APDEA – Anchorage Police Department Employees Association
APD: Anchorage Police Department
Anchorage Coalition of Community Patrols: Anchorage Coalition of Community Patrols – Home (accpatrols.org)
