Shots Fired at Centennial Park Homeless Campground: APD Officer & Suspect Wounded

Homeless Camp Seems More Dangerous Than "Living On The Streets" 

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson's idea of moving homeless people into a former summer campground is running into roadblocks. 

On Wednesday night, July 20th, the situation at Centennial Park Campground on the outskirts of Anchorage came to a head when two Anchorage police officers got into a shootout in the crowded campground while conducting a security check. 

Police said a suspect had a handgun, both officers fired, and the man was shot multiple times. One of the officers was also shot. (See report below).

The campground has experienced a chaotic rollout. There have been food and sanitation problems, crowding, assaults, police calls, transportation issues, and lack of social services. A woman died in the campground. 

Five marauding bears have been killed by Fish & Game and Wildlife officers at Centennial Park since it was repurposed. 

 

Update: Officer Involved Shooting

ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT  

 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 keep our officer and his family in your prayers as he recovers.

Per policy, the state’s Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) 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.
 

7/20/2022 8:55 PM:

Officers have responded to the 8400 block of Starview Drive for an officer involved shooting investigation.
 
A heavy police presence will be in the area for several hours as the investigation continues. There are no road closures at this time. Please avoid the area and follow officer’s instructions if you need to be in the vicinity. This is a developing investigation. Depending on the situation, our response may require using a variety of tactics and tools (to include the drone). More information will be forthcoming.