A standoff between Anchorage police and a wanted felon unfolded at an encampment on the 1700-block of A Street on Sunday, when 42-year-old T J Walker attempted to set an occupied tent on fire and then threatened officers with an ax.
The incident occurred late at night, when Anchorage Police Dispatch received a call reporting that Walker was trying to set a tent on fire and was threatening its occupant with an ax. The caller told Dispatch that Walker had an outstanding felony warrant and was making threatening statements.
K-9 units and patrol officers encountered Walker, who was armed with an ax and who advanced toward them. Officers, in a bid to de-escalate the situation, identified themselves and repeatedly ordered Walker to drop the ax.
After several tense moments, Walker finally relinquished the ax but continued to move aggressively toward officers, despite multiple warnings and commands. K-9 Ray was called into service after Walker appeared determined not to cooperate. The police dog engaged with Walker, biting him on the arm. Walker fought back, attempting to choke K-9 Ray with his other arm.
Officers then took Walker to the ground to subdue him. Despite more resistance, Walker was ultimately handcuffed and taken into custody. Following the incident, Walker was transported to a hospital for treatment of the dog bite. Once medically cleared, he was remanded to the Anchorage Jail on his existing felony warrant.
In addition to his prior charges, Walker now faces new charges, including Assault III, Harm to a Police Dog II, and Resisting arrest.
Neither K-9 Ray nor any of the other officers involved in the incident sustained injuries during the confrontation. The person inside the tent, who had reason to fear immediate physical harm, emerged unscathed. Authorities discovered that the victim and Walker were known to each other, though the motive behind Walker’s aggressive actions toward the victim remain under investigation.
