AST K-9 officer killed, along with suspect

WASILLA — A 36-year old Wasilla man and an Alaska State Trooper (AST) K9 officer were shot and killed early Sunday morning following a Sunday morning incident near mile 45.5 of the Parks Highway.

According to AST dispatch, troopers attempted to pull over Justin Smith for a moving violation near Bogard Road and Helen around 2:50 a.m. According to reports, the vehicle refused to yield and the driver operated the vehicle at faster than posted speeds. After an approximate 45 minute pursuit, the vehicle was stopped by deployed spike strips at mile 45.5 of the Parks Highway.

Police state the driver exited the vehicle, ignoring troopers' commands, and attempted to flee. At that point, police deployed an AST K9. According to police, Smith turned and fired a handgun hitting the dog. Troopers returned fire striking Smith.

Smith was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Police say both Smith and the K9 died from sustained injuries and no troopers were injured. Following the shooting, Parks Highway was closed for a brief time for investigative purposes .

According to AST, Smith had two outstanding arrest warrants out of Anchorage — a $20,000 second-degree assault and a no-bail probation violation. Police say Alaska Bureau of Investigation is taking over case responsibility for the trooper-involved shooting. Per department policy, the name(s) of trooper(s) involved in the shooting will not be identified for 72 hours.

Police are continuing the investigation into the case.