Anchorage Police Identify Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting

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The Anchorage Police Department has identified Kamehameha Patterson, 24, as the suspect involved in an officer-involved gunfire incident on April 7 in the Russian Jack neighborhood. Patterson is facing multiple felony assault charges related to a domestic disturbance that prompted the police response, though authorities have not definitively stated whether gunfire was exchanged during the subsequent pursuit.

Why it matters

This incident raises questions about the use of force by Anchorage police and the handling of suspects with access to firearms. The state's Office of Special Prosecutions will review the investigation to determine if the officer's actions were justified, while Anchorage police will conduct an internal review of department policies.

The details

According to the initial charging document, on April 7, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex on the 700 block of Bragaw Street, where Patterson allegedly choked and strangled the victim multiple times before she called the police. When officers arrived, they set up a perimeter after learning Patterson had access to guns. Patterson then fled on foot, and 'shots were reportedly fired' by both Patterson and an officer during the pursuit, though the charges do not mention the gunfire incident.

• On April 7, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex on the 700 block of Bragaw Street.
• On April 14, Patterson was charged with second-degree assault and two counts of third-degree assault in connection to the domestic disturbance.
• On April 14, Patterson pleaded not guilty to the assault charges.
• On April 15, Patterson was released from the Anchorage Correctional Complex after someone paid a $1,000 cash bond.
• Patterson's next court date is scheduled for May 14.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The state Department of Law's Office of Special Prosecutions will review APD's investigation to decide whether the officer's use of force was justified. Anchorage police will then conduct an internal investigation to determine if the officer violated any department policies.