Neighbors near the large encampment at 3rd and Ingra Street are concerned after the increasing number of gunshots heard in the area at night. This week, it’s been two nights in a row.
Rob Cupples, owner of Cupples Cottages, wrote to the Anchorage Assembly to report multiple shots fired on Aug. 2-3.
On Aug. 2, approximately six shots were fired at about 11 am. APD responded.
On Aug. 3, at about 9:30 pm, witnesses reported hearing approximately six shots fired, and a large police presence in the camp, with roughly eight Anchorage Police cruisers.
No mention of this incident has been made on the Anchorage Police Department’s website or social media.
That’s two consecutive days of shots. Media reported someone struck by a bullet in the vicinity of the correctional facility. But no police report has been made public.
“This must stop,” Cupples said. “I have been telling the mayor for WEEKS that 24 hours police presence is required at 3rd and Ingra. It’s the only way. Someone must be held accountable for the horrific conditions taking place across the street and immediate action must be taken to ensure the safety of the people on East 3rd Avenue AND in the camp.”
Cupples, who owns a small bed and breakfast, pointed out that there are young children and even infants in the camp, and they are surrounded by “drug dealers, junkies, criminals, thugs, prostitutes, people trafficking women out of a van, etc, etc??? It is completely OUT OF CONTROL.”
Cupples is part of a neighborhood group named “3rd Avenue Radicals” who have been trying to improve the area for years. The recent encampments have been a serious setback to those efforts. The group has a Facebook page where it gives regular updates:
“Last year many of you expressed outrage at the conditions at Centennial Campground calling it a “humanitarian crisis,” Cupples said, directing his comments to the Anchorage Assembly. “Every person I talk to who was involved with that camp last summer has told me 3rd and Ingra is FAR WORSE than Centennial was. Where’s the outrage this year over the conditions on East 3rd Avenue? You all have been crickets. How many of you have actually taken the time to drive to the site and walk the disaster the Assembly and Administration collectively created?” (I really want to know, this is not rhetorical). If you haven’t, shame on you.”
