Trooper Draws, Fires on Armed ‘Despondent’ Motorist on Sterling Highway

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing its investigation of the cause and circumstances of a shooting of a motorist at mile 68 of the Sterling Highway on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the trooper dispatch today, the Seward Police Department contacted the Alaska State Troopers and informed them of a despondent motorist heading north on the Seward Highway.

Troopers located the vehicle on the highway and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the motorist, who’s name has yet to be released, sped away from the troopers and eluded the officers at a high rate of speed.

It wasn’t until mile 68 of the Sterling Highway, that the man exited his vehicle and despite commands to desist, retrieved a firearm from the trunk of the vehicle. The man was ultimately shot by the trooper, who inflicted serious injuries.

The man was transported to an Anchorage Hospital for treatment of his gunshot wound. No troopers were injured in the incident.

As per department policy, the name of the trooper involved in the shooting will not be released for 72 hours.

More information will be provided as the ABI investigation continues.