Officer involved shooting investigation; E 5th Avenue and Cordova Street

Update on 11/15/16:

Anchorage police have identified the two officers who discharged their weapons in the line of duty on Saturday, November 12, 2016, when a male opened fire on a patrol officer near 5th Avenue and Cordova Street. The two officers who discharged their firearms were APD Officer Arn Salao and Sgt. Marc Patzke.

Officer Salao was the officer who was shot during the incident and was transported to a local hospital where he is recovering from his injuries. Officer Salao has been with the Anchorage Police Department since October of 2011 and has worked in patrol.

Sgt. Marc Patzke has served with the Anchorage Police Department since November of 2007. He was promoted to sergeant in 2013 and currently oversees APD’s K9 Unit. 

The suspected shooter in this case was identified as 40-year-old James Dale Ritchie.

Saturday Morning Shooting

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, before 4:30 a.m. it was reported to APD Dispatch that a male had refused to pay his cab fare and walked away from the cab near 4th and B Street. A suspect locate was aired to officers patrolling the area. Officer Salao spotted a male walking westbound on 5th Avenue near Cordova Street. The officer tried to contact the male by asking him to stop and police needed to speak with him. The male ignored Officer Salao and he continued on foot. Officer Salao pulled his vehicle over to the southside of 5th Avenue near the suspect to contact him again. The male turned firing a gun at Officer Salao multiple times. Officer Salao flew out of his vehicle and started to return fire. Sgt. Patzke had arrived on scene as the shooting was occurring. He ran towards the suspect and returned fire, ultimately causing the suspect to fall to the ground over top of Officer Salao. The suspect continued fighting Officer Salao until he was subdued by other officers. Officers attempted to render aid to the suspect, but he was declared deceased at the scene. The suspect was later identified as 40-year-old James Dale Ritchie. His next of kin have been notified.

Officer Salao had multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital where he underwent two emergency surgeries that day. He continues to be hospitalized and is recovering.

Suspect Weapon Linked to Five Other Homicides in 2016

As detectives have investigated this event, they have discovered that the suspect’s gun that was recovered in Saturday’s shooting is the same gun that was used in five other homicides this year.  Those APD Case numbers are 16-27741 (two victims), 16-31807 (one victim), and 16-36313 (two victims).

Detectives are hoping to develop more information about 40-year-old James Dale Ritchie and ask that anyone with any information to contact police at 786-8900. A recent picture of him has been attached in this release. To provide an anonymous crime tip please contact Anchorage Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or go online to www.anchoragecrimestopppers.com

Update on 11/12/16:

At 4:36 a.m. an officer reported to dispatch that shots were fired and medics needed to respond to the area of 5th Avenue and Cordova Street. It was reported to dispatch that another officer had been shot and a male had been shot as well. An officer was transported to a local hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. The officer is currently undergoing emergency surgery and is expected to survive. A male with multiple gunshot wounds was declared deceased at the scene.

A preliminary investigation found that an officer was responding in their patrol car to a report of a theft suspect who was on foot near 5th Avenue and Cordova. As the officer was initiating a stop, a male brandishing a gun approached the patrol car and started firing at the officer. The officer was shot multiple times and had returned fire. Another APD officer arrived as shots were being fired and that officer also shot at the suspect. Additional officers responded and rendered aid to the injured officer and the suspect. The suspect was declared deceased at the scene. APD’s Crime Scene has responded to collect and gather evidence at the scene. Fifth Avenue has been closed between Denali and Barrow Streets for the investigation.  

The State Office of Special Prosecutions will determine if the Officers use of force was justified. The APD’s Office of Internal Inspections will determine if the Officers use of force was within department policy. Following department policy, both officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on four days of administrative leave and their names will be released 72 hours following the event.

Original on 11/12/16: 
Just before 4:40 a.m. an officer reported shots were fired near 5th Avenue and Cordova Street. Other units responded. One officer was transported with injuries to a local hospital. One person was confirmed deceased at the scene. Detectives and the APD Crime Scene Team are responding. 5th Avenue between Denali Street and Cordova is currently closed as APD works to determine what happened. Additional information will be released as facts are confirmed in the event.

APD Case: 16-47382