AST-involved shooting in Wasilla following domestic violence call

In the late-evening hours on February 20, an Alaska State Trooper responding to a domestic violence incident at a residence in Wasilla was involved in an officer-involved shooting.

According to the online Department of Public Safety (DPS) dispatch, two Alaska State Troopers responded to the residence after receiving a 911 call. As they arrived, they observed an adult male armed with a shotgun inside the residence, who then pointed the shotgun at a female.

Troopers gave commands for the man to drop the gun from outside of the residence, who in turn pointed the shotgun at an Alaska State Trooper.

An Alaska State Trooper, later identified as Jon Anspaugh following DPS policy, shot the adult man through the window, striking him. AST then entered the residence and provided first aid care to the man as first responders and additional Troopers rendered aid and support. The adult male was transported by EMS to a Mat-Su area hospital with injuries that are believed to be non-life-threatening. No other persons were injured during the incident.

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI) responded and assumed case responsibility for the original domestic violence incident and the officer-involved shooting.

No charges have been filed related to the domestic violence incident at this time; however, criminal charges against the adult male are expected. Once the ABI investigation into the officer-involved shooting is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions. Both investigations are active and ongoing.

Trooper Anspaugh, a three-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers, has been placed on 72 hours of administrative leave in accordance with DPS policy.