Shooting incident sends 2 to Anchorage hospitals

WILLOW — Two people were flown by air ambulance to Anchorage hospitals early Monday morning after a shooting incident involving three men at Sheep Creek campground, near Mile 86, Parks Highway.

Alaska State Trooper spokesman Tim DeSpain said the incident was reported around 1:36 a.m. and involved three men; two were hospitalized and one has been detained. Gunfire in the campground apparently sparked a confrontation between campers, he said.

“It was reported that a male camper confronted a second camper and produced a firearm,” troopers report.

Thus far, those involved have not been identified by name. Instead the three men are identified as Camper No. 1, Camper No. 2 and Camper No. 3.

Things went south when 27-year-old Camper No. 1 shot 31-year-old Camper No. 2.

Camper No. 3 then produced a firearm and shot Camper No. 1, trooper say.

Troopers say Campers 1 and 2 sustained life-threatening injuries and were flown from the scene to Anchorage hospitals.

And Camper No. 3 was detained on scene.

DeSpain said the investigation is ongoing, but alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the shooting.