UPDATE 11:15 a.m. Tuesday:
Alaska State Troopers say they arrested the man who shot a trooper in Anchor Point yesterday, following a search that lasted into the night.
Troopers say a Special Emergency Reaction Team arrested 60-year-old Bret Herrick near his Anchor Point residence around 8:40 a.m. Tuesday, after following up on a tip. The trooper he allegedly shot is in fair condition at an Anchorage hospital, according to an online statement.
Troopers also released more information about the shooting Tuesday morning.
They say a trooper assigned to Anchor Point approached Herrick about multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest around 1:07 p.m. Monday. Herrick then fired a handgun on the trooper, hitting him repeatedly.
The trooper also shot his service pistol during the altercation, according to the report. Troopers say when another officer arrived, Herrick fled the area.
When troopers found Herrick Tuesday morning, they arrested him on four outstanding warrants. They say they anticipate additional charges for yesterday's events.
Troopers say they'll release the name of the trooper three days after the incident. They say he's receiving care at an Anchorage area hospital.
Original story:
Alaska State Troopers are still searching for a man they say is wanted in connection to the shooting of an officer in Anchor Point around 1 p.m. Monday.
Troopers identified the man as 60-year-old Bret Herrick of Anchor Point. They said Monday he's "armed and dangerous" and that, if spotted, he should not be approached.
Troopers described Herrick as 5'10" and 200 pounds. He's bald and has brown eyes. He was last seen wearing work boots, dark pants, a knee-length leather trench coat, a black T-shirt and a black do-rag on his head, according to a troopers' statement.
The injured trooper was medevaced to an Anchorage area hospital and was in "fair condition," according to a 5 p.m. update from troopers.
The search led to a lockdown Monday afternoon at the local Chapman Elementary School. The school is closed to students and staff Tuesday while the suspect is still at large. District spokesperson Pegge Erkeneff said bus service was canceled Tuesday morning for students who attend Homer schools and live in Anchor Point.
Troopers, meanwhile, are searching the Anchor Point area for Herrick and are asking people to stay away. They say anyone who sees Herrick or has information about him should immediately call 911 and are asking drivers not to pick up hitchhikers in the Anchor Point area.
As of 3 p.m. Monday, both lanes on the Sterling Highway are open at Milepost 156.5 but access to side roads is limited, according to the borough alert page.
According to court records, Herrick has faced several recent charges, including for violating conditions of release and reckless endangerment. In December 2012, he was arrested for allegedly robbing and kidnapping a man in Homer. When troopers later tried to arrest Herrick, in Anchor Point, Herrick allegedly resisted arrest.
He plead guilty to resisting arrest but was released from Wildwood Pretrial on a plea deal for his felony charges in May 2013.
This story has been updated to clarify Herrick is wanted in connection with the incident. This is a developing story and will be updated further.
