At approximately 1736 hours the driver was taken into custody by Alaska State Troopers, Dillingham PD, and Southcentral SERT team members. The driver is being treated for injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Investigators from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation are processing the scene and the investigation continues. Updates to follow.
Original: At approximately 1136 hours on February 18, 2021 the Dillingham Police Department (DPD) received a report of a vehicle in a ditch on a road in Dillingham. The complainant informed DPD that they believed that the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated. DPD reached out to AST at approximately 1221 hours and requested assistance. A second call was made to DPD and it was reported that the sole occupant of the vehicle was armed with a gun. DPD dispatch spoke directly with the vehicle driver who reported that he had a rifle and ammunition in his possession. When DPD officers arrived at the scene the vehicle was attempting to flee but was unable to free itself from the ditch. Multiple law enforcement officers from both agencies responded to the scene. At 1231 hours, AST reported to DPD dispatch that gunshots had been fired. After an exchange of gunfire, DPD and Troopers were able to safely retreat and setup a perimeter near the vehicle. Efforts to communicate with the driver are ongoing. There are no injuries to law enforcement reported at this time and it is unknown if the driver is injured. The nearby local hospital has gone into lockdown as a precaution. An ambulance is standing by at a safe distance from the scene.
The Southcentral Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) is responding to Dillingham from Anchorage to assist. Investigators from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation are responding to the scene and will assume case responsibility. The names of the law enforcement officers that fired their weapons will be held for 72 hours, per DPS and DPD policy. Updates to follow. DPD Case # DP21000368