Stolen vehicle involved in Wednesday’s officer-involved shooting investigation, courtesy Wesley Early | Alaska Public Media.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | April 15, 2026
ANCHORAGE – Anchorage police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that unfolded early Wednesday morning in Midtown.
Police say the situation began around 3:25 a.m. when the owner of a stolen vehicle spotted it parked at a Circle K at Minnesota Drive and Spenard Road. The owner stayed on the phone with dispatch and followed at a safe distance as the vehicle pulled away.
Officers tracked the vehicle as it moved through Midtown before it was stopped near 34th Avenue and Eureka Street.
When officers boxed the vehicle in, two people got out. One was taken into custody at the scene. The second fled on foot toward Bering Street.
Officers, including a police K9 unit, chased the suspect on foot. During the pursuit, police say the suspect was holding a recognizable object in his hand. The suspect then turned and fired toward officers.
Four officers fired back, striking the suspect multiple times.
Officers gave emergency medical aid at the scene before the suspect was taken to a hospital. Their condition has not been released.
During the chase, police K9 Kiska was also shot. Kiska was taken for emergency veterinary care and suffered a non-life-threatening injury that included the loss of a toe. Police say it’s still unclear whether Kiska will return to duty.
The person taken into custody at the scene remains in jail. Police have not released names or said what charges may be filed.
Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case said this is the third officer-involved shooting in the city in the past three weeks. He said there have been no changes to department training or policy.
Case also pointed to a drop in reported shootings involving the public in recent months, from 446 in September to 227 in January and 230 in February.
Our officers will continue to engage in proactive and aggressive enforcement to stop crime. That commitment comes with some inherent risks.” – Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case
The investigation is ongoing. Chief Sean Case said additional details will be provided in a press conference in about a week, once the investigation and crime scene review are further along.
Case #26-10573
🎥 APD press conference video: Midtown officer-involved shooting:
