The Anchorage police officer that was ambushed in his patrol car as he attempted to make contact and identify a theft suspect on Saturday morning, is recovering in an Anchorage hospital after multiple surgeries for his gunshot wounds, Anchorage Police say.

According to APD, the patrol officer responded to a call reporting a theft and suspect at 4:36 am on Saturday morning. It is believed that the suspect that “approached the patrol car and started firing at the officer,” was the suspect reported in the call, APD reported. The patrol officer, still in his vehicle,  returned fire, and additional officers arriving at the scene, as gunfire was being exchanged,  also opened up on the suspect as well. Despite efforts to administer aid to the suspect following the exchange, the suspect died of his wounds at the scene.

The identity of the suspect has yet to be released as police continue to seek his next of kin.

The names of the wounded officer and other officers involved in the shooting have no been released either. This due to department policy.

The scene at the corner of 5th Avenue and Cordova Street outside of the Office Depot, was a beehive of activity as investigators unraveled the circumstances and details of the incident.

In addition to the non-release of names of those involved in the fatal incident, details and dashcam footage of the shooting have been withheld as the investigation into the fatal encounter continues,

It is still unknown at this time if the incident was a pre-planned ambush.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

  5th, ambush, Anchorage, avenue, Cordova, fatality, fifth, gunfire, identity, police, street, surgery, wounded