This morning, April 15, at around 3:25 a.m., a car was stolen from the Circle K at Minnesota Ave and Spenard Rd. The owner of the vehicle called APD, who responded quickly.
APD chased the suspects until they stopped at 34th Ave and Eureka St. The two thieves exited the vehicle: one was arrested immediately and the other fled on foot. A police officer and his K9 pursued the suspect.
“The suspect at one point in time turns and fires between one and three rounds in the direction of the officers,” Police Chief Sean Case stated. “Four officers returned fire. During the exchange, our K9 Kiska was struck by one of the rounds.
Kiska was taken to an animal hospital and had one of his toes amputated as a result of his injuries. His wounds are not life-threatening. It is unknown as of now whether the dog will continue his service with APD.
The suspect was also wounded as a result of the shooting and taken to a local hospital.
This is the third officer-involved shooting in Anchorage in the span of three weeks. However, Chief Case says that public-involved shootings overall have decreased over the last six months. In September, there were 446 shootings involving the public. In February, there were 230.
A press conference with updates on the case is scheduled for next week.
