Helo the Hero

PALMER — A Palmer man remains jailed on multiple charges, including shooting and killing a police dog after leading Palmer Police and Alaska State Troopers (AST) on short chase Sunday morning.

Troopers allege at approximately 520 a.m., a Palmer Police officer attempted to stop a Geo sedan for inoperative taillights inside the city limits. The vehicle was allegedly driven by 25-year old Almando Anthony Abarca. A second Palmer PD officer also responded. As the vehicle, containing four occupants made its way onto southbound Glenn Highway, Palmer PD called for AST assistance.

According to reports, the vehicle ran several stop signs eluding police at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone for several miles before pulling into a driveway near the Glenn and Parks highways interchange.

Police went on to state that the vehicle continued down the driveway and crashed into a tree at which point Abarca allegedly exited with a pistol in his hand and ran into the woods. While in pursuit, troopers allege Abarca fired all rounds in the gun and in the process struck the AST K9 named Helo several times.

Both officers fired back striking Abarca once in the shoulder. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The officers were not hit. The police dog was taken to a local veterinarian in critical condition and died approximately three-hours later.

The AST Alaska Bureau of Investigation responded and investigated the incident. Per both department’s policies, the names of officers involved will not be released until later today. Abarca faces two counts of third degree assault, first degree harming a police dog and eluding police. He was remanded on an outstanding $20,000 arrest warrant.

Abarca has a lengthy criminal history.

In 2014, he was arrested for stealing an ATM machine from a pawnshop near Wasilla. Other past charges against Abarca include assault, failure to appear in court, probation violation, and violating a protection order.

In the wake of Helo’s death, AST is asking the public to refrain from offering financial contributions. The organization stated it has become aware of several Go Fund Me accounts and other fundraising efforts which have spring up since the announcement of Helo’s fatality.

“While the Department of Public Safety appreciates the condolences and the overwhelming support that we have received from the public, we are not seeking any type of monetary donations. Any site requesting funds regarding “Helo”, no matter how well-meaning the intent, are not done in coordination with, or approval of, the department. These fundraising efforts may be fraudulent in nature. Please refrain from donating to these solicitations,” AST officials stated.