Officer-involved shooting in Wasilla leaves one dead

A Wasilla man who allegedly fired an assault rifle at a police car was shot and killed by law enforcement on March 16, according to an online dispatch by the Alaska State Troopers.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Alaska State Troopers (AST), Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and Wasilla Police Department (WPD) responded to a 911 domestic disturbance call involving a weapon at a residence in the Settlers Bay area of Wasilla.

According to the dispatch, the victims of the disturbance were able to escape the residence and leave the area. The suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Wasilla resident Brett George, donned body armor, armed himself with an assault rifle, and left the residence in a vehicle.

A WPD officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle a short distance away from the residence, the vehicle briefly stopped, but a short time later George fled in the vehicle and a pursuit was initiated.

At the intersection of Knik Goose Bay Road and Settlers Bay Drive, George exited his vehicle, firing his assault rifle at the fully marked Wasilla police car. WPD returned fire, striking George, who was declared deceased at the scene. The State Medical Examiner’s Office took possession of George’s body, and his next of kin have been notified.

No law enforcement officers are reported to have been injured. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has taken case responsibility and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Once their investigation is completed, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.

Following Wasilla Police Department policy, the police officer’s name will be released after 72 hours.