Crime & Courts

Police: Eagle River resident shot while confronting suspected prowlers

A man was shot in the upper body after confronting suspected prowlers outside his Eagle River home early Thursday morning, Anchorage police said.

The victim, who was not identified, was taken to the hospital with injuries that weren't life-threatening, police spokesman MJ Thim said.

The man heard "suspicious activity" outside his home and came out to confront the suspected prowler, then was shot by another man from the driver's seat of a car parked nearby, Thim said. Someone reported the shooting in the 11000 block of Regency Drive around 3:30 a.m. The area is residential.

The suspected prowler fled on foot and the shooter drove off, police said.

Police believe the shooter and suspected prowler were working together to tamper with vehicles in the area, Thim said. Other witnesses in the neighborhood said the police description of the shooter's car — "a red compact vehicle" — sounded familiar, he said.

Police did not have a further description of the shooter. As of 4:45 p.m., no arrests had been made.

Police described the suspected prowler as a 6-foot-tall white man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and jeans described as blue or black.

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Police were seeking information about the incident, specifically surveillance video from surrounding homes, Thim said.

Anyone with information can call APD Dispatch at 907-786-8900 (press "0" to speak with an operator). To submit an anonymous tip, contact Crime Stoppers at 907-561-STOP or online at anchoragecrimestoppers.com.

Tegan Hanlon contributed to this story.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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