Man wanted by police shoots self near Palmer

PALMER — Alaska State Troopers say a man being sought in connection with sexual abuse of a minor allegations by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation shot and killed himself on a road north of Palmer Wednesday night.

The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday on North Yale Court, which is located in a subdivision off of Palmer Fishhook Road.

According to troopers, Michael Able, 59, of Palmer, had threatened to commit suicide after being contacted in reference to the assault allegations. Troopers say Able got into his vehicle and drove from his residence at 5900 Yale Court. Upon seeing Alaska Bureau of Investigation and Palmer police vehicles in the area, Able stopped his vehicle and shot himself. He died at the scene.

The incident prompted a large-scale response from local law enforcement after a call came across the radio that shots had been fired. Roads in the area were shut down briefly as law enforcement personnel secured the scene.