Man Shot by Bethel Police Arrested in Anchorage

Wassillie Larson faces assault charges related to the March 25 incident.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:09am

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An extreme close-up of a metal police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A police shooting in a remote Alaskan town raises concerns about use of force and mental health support in the region.Anchorage Today

A 53-year-old Bethel man who was shot by a police officer last month has been arrested in Anchorage on two felony assault charges tied to the events that preceded the shooting, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Why it matters

The case raises questions about use of force by police and the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health crises in remote Alaskan communities.

The details

Troopers said Wassillie Larson was arrested Monday on two counts of third-degree assault following an investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. The shooting happened on March 25 when officers approached Larson, who had earlier been taken to the hospital but left before receiving treatment. Authorities said Larson pulled out a knife and ignored orders to drop it, then moved toward an officer, prompting the officer to open fire and seriously injure Larson.

  • The shooting occurred on March 25 around 4:05 a.m.
  • Larson was arrested in Anchorage on Monday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Wassillie Larson

A 53-year-old Bethel man who was shot by a police officer in March and has now been arrested on assault charges.

Bethel Police Department

The police department that was involved in the shooting incident with Wassillie Larson.

Alaska Bureau of Investigation

The state agency leading the investigation into the shooting at the request of the Bethel Police Department.

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What’s next

The Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions will review the case after the investigation is complete.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and public health officials in addressing mental health crises in remote Alaskan towns, where resources can be limited and tensions can escalate quickly during encounters with police.