Man who wounded Alaska State Trooper sentenced to serve nearly 60 years in prison

An Anchor Point man who shot and wounded an Alaska State Trooper in 2021 was sentenced this week to serve just under 60 years in prison, state officials say.

Bret Herrick, now 62, was convicted after a weeklong trial in July on nine charges, including attempted murder, first- and third-degree assault, resisting arrest, escape, resisting arrest and violating conditions of release.

Trooper Bruce Bruggeman was called to The Warehouse general store in Anchor Point near Homer on Aug. 23, 2021, to provide backup for another trooper who was trying to locate Herrick on four outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrants, according to an affidavit signed by troopers Investigator Timothy Cronin.

Bruggeman arrived first and tried to arrest Herrick, who then pulled out a handgun and began firing at the trooper, the affidavit said. The shooting was captured on store surveillance footage and dash camera footage from the trooper patrol vehicle, according to the affidavit.

Bruggeman was hit in his ballistic vest and arm, the affidavit said. His gun malfunctioned when he fired back, it said.

Herrick fled the scene and a manhunt ensued while officials warned the public to shelter in place. He was arrested the next morning near his home, the affidavit said. Bruggeman underwent emergency surgery at a hospital after the incident, it said.

Homer Superior Court Judge Bride Seifert sentenced Herrick on Wednesday to 74 years in prison, with 15 suspended, according to the Alaska Department of Law.

The public defender who represented Herrick at trial did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment Friday.

Herrick remained in custody at the Wildwood Correctional Center in Kenai on Friday.