Suspect sought in fatal shooting near Anchorage camp

Anchorage police are asking for the public's help in locating a fugitive suspect in connection with the shooting of a man near a homeless encampment Thursday morning.

Police did not release the suspect's name or description. However, they did share this photo. A spokesperson said they believe it is a man.

Some details in the photo might be helpful, such as the oversized bike saddle and what looks like a red wire basket over the front wheel, or what looks like a silver water bottle or spray can with a teal lid in the backpack.

The name of the victim, who was shot Thursday morning and pronounced dead at the scene, has not yet been released by police. A spokesman said the victim would be publicly identified within the next 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

Police responded to a report of a single shot fired around 10:15 a.m. along 5th Avenue, where downtown and the Fairview and Mountain View neighborhoods meet.

The police set up a restricted area and searched for the suspect, including using a drone, but were unsuccessful.

They are asking anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts to call 911. Anyone with information on the suspect's identity should call 907-786-8900 and press 0. Information can also be shared anonymously at AnchorageCrimeStoppers.com.

It is unclear whether and how the suspect, the victim and the homeless camp were connected. The police would not say whether the victim had a fixed address.

Academic researchers have long noted that homeless people are unusually likely to be victims of violence compared to the general population.

Last week, an Anchorage man was arrested and charged with firing a shotgun at people at a Midtown encampment. A man was shot and killed at another encampment nearby in June. Two people have been charged with murder.

Also in June, a man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a woman in her tent near a city park. Investigators believe the same man is connected to a second assault reported in the same area.

Jeremy Hsieh covers Anchorage with a focus on housing, homelessness, infrastructure and development. You can reach him at[email protected]or 907-550-8428. Read more about JeremyHere.