Details are sketchy at this hour, but a large police presence was at the Centennial Campground Wednesday, where there has been an officer-involved shooting. Early reports indicate that no one is dead but that an officer had to use his weapon and an officer has been wounded. Numerous reports indicate there were several rounds fired.
The campground is the site where about 200 homeless people are being housed in tents, many provided by nonprofits, in a safer environment than the various illegal encampments that were popping up around the city. There is 24-hour security at the campground, running water, wi-fi, toilets and cleared out areas for campers to set up their tents and tarps. Many of the homeless in the campground have cars and trucks with them, while some are without vehicles. Nonprofits are providing meals, case management, and other services.
A heavy police presence will be in the area of the 8400 block of Starview Drive for several hours as the investigation continues, but no roads are closed at this time. Police say more information will be released about this incident.
Check back for further details, as a press conference on the situation is expected.
6:30 am update from Anchorage police:
The preliminary investigation indicates that two Anchorage police officers were conducting a security check at Centennial Campground when they encountered an adult male who was suspected of an earlier eluding.
At some point during the encounter, the suspect produced a handgun and gunfire was exchanged. One officer was shot, and the other officer was uninjured. Both officers returned fire at the suspect.
The suspect was shot multiple times and was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive his injuries. Charges have not been filed at this time but will be forthcoming.
The injured officer was transported to a local hospital. The officer sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive. Please our officer and his family in your prayers as he recovers.
Per policy, the state’s Office of Special Prosecutions will review the officer’s use of force and determine whether or not it was justified. Once that has been completed, APD Internal Affairs will review the officer’s actions to confirm whether or not there was any violation of policy. As per APD practice, the officers will be placed on four days of administrative leave. Their names will be released publicly 72 hours after the incident.
Once OSP has completed their investigation, their findings will be available for the public to review.
