Anchorage Security Guard Shot While on Duty, Prosecutors Unable to Disprove Self-Defense

Kendrick McFarland was shot while checking receipts at a Carrs grocery store, but prosecutors say they can't prove the shooter didn't act in self-defense.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Kendrick McFarland, a security guard in Anchorage, Alaska, was shot while on duty at a Carrs grocery store in September 2025. After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, prosecutors determined they could not disprove the shooter's claim of self-defense, and therefore did not file any charges.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the use of force and the application of self-defense laws, especially in the context of security guards performing their duties. It also highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in disproving self-defense claims, even when an individual is shot while on the job.

The details

According to the police report, the shooting occurred on September 7, 2025, at 8:31 AM inside the entryway of the Carrs grocery store. McFarland, who was hired as part of a program to check receipts as customers left the store, was shot in the upper body. He was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was detained, but prosecutors later determined they could not disprove the shooter's claim of self-defense based on the surveillance footage and witness interviews.

  • The shooting occurred on September 7, 2025, at 8:31 AM.
  • McFarland spoke with Alaska's News Source about the incident in September 2025.

The players

Kendrick McFarland

A security guard who was shot while on duty at a Carrs grocery store in Anchorage, Alaska.

Anchorage Police Department (APD)

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting and conducted the investigation.

State of Alaska Department of Law

The agency that reviewed the case and determined they could not disprove the shooter's claim of self-defense.

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What they’re saying

“Next thing I know, I was in the back of an ambulance with a bullet wound.”

— Kendrick McFarland, Security Guard

“I don't know when the gun got pulled. I was just trying to defend myself and I ended up grabbing the gun.”

— Kendrick McFarland, Security Guard

“I'm not Superman, you don't pay me that much, you know. I'm just there to do my job and come back home and get ready for my second job.”

— Kendrick McFarland, Security Guard

What’s next

Alaska's News Source has filed open records requests to obtain the surveillance video, reports, and witness statements from the incident in order to further investigate the case and understand what the video footage shows.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities surrounding the use of force and the application of self-defense laws, especially when it involves security guards performing their duties. It also underscores the challenges prosecutors can face in disproving self-defense claims, even when an individual is shot while on the job.