At 11:25 PM on November 26, 2023, Anchorage Police Dispatch received a call stating that 42-year-old T J Walker was trying to set an occupied tent on fire and slash it with an axe.  The caller further advised they believed Walker had an outstanding warrant and that Walker was making threatening statements to harm himself and/or responding officers.  A computer check confirmed Walker had a felony warrant for Burglary I, Theft II, and Criminal Mischief III.

K9 and mid-shift patrol officers responded to a camp on the 1700-block of A Street.  Upon arrival they saw Walker armed with an axe.  Officers identified themselves and gave multiple warnings for Walker to drop the weapon.  Initially Walker refused and he advanced upon the officers while holding the axe.  After taking several steps, Walker dropped the axe but continued toward police. Several K9 warnings were given which went unheeded.  Walker made several statements that he was not going to comply.  K9 Ray was deployed; the dog contacted Walker on his arm. Walker continued to fight and tried to choke K9 Ray with his other arm.  Officers took Walker to the ground.  Walker still fought and refused to obey commands but eventually cooperated with being handcuffed.

Walker was transported to a hospital for treatment of the bite.  Once he was medically cleared, Walker was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on his warrant.  He was additionally charged with Assault III, Harm a Police Dog II, and Resisting.

Neither K9 Ray nor any of the other officers were injured. 

The person inside the tent, who was afraid of immediate physical harm due to Walker’s actions and statements towards her, was also uninjured.  The victim and Walker were known to one another. The motive behind Walker’s actions towards the victim is still under investigation.

APD Case 23-38310

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