Shots fired, no injuries near MAC apartments

On July 10, the University Police Department, known as UPD, sent a text message at 1:01 a.m. informing students that shots had been fired on campus. UPD advised those on campus to seek safety. 

At 2:44 a.m., UPD released a follow-up text that stated UPD and the Anchorage Police Department were looking for a suspect described as an adult male with black hair and dark clothing. 

It is unclear whether text messages were sent to all students, staff and faculty or exclusively to students living on campus. 

At 3:50 a.m., UPD released another statement to inform the campus community that officials were working south of the Health Sciences Building and to avoid the area.

The suspect has not been located or identified. 

Following the incident, UPD Chief Jeff Earle met with The Northern Light to discuss the events of that night. Earle said officers initially confronted the suspect after he appeared to be breaking into vehicles in the Spruce parking lot, across from the Gorsuch Commons. 

Earle said the suspect ran toward Providence Alaska Medical Center while firing shots behind him. He then was seen moving into a wooded area by East 40th Avenue and Wellness Street.                                                                                                                                                                                      

The Anchorage Police Department worked with UPD to set up a perimeter search around East 44th Street and Wellness Street, as well as Piper Street and Spirit Way. 

The perimeter also included UAA’s residential area, the Main Apartment Complex and the North Hall, located near Providence Drive and Health Drive. 

Earle reiterated the importance of not leaving valuables inside vehicles and ensuring all doors are locked to decrease the chance of vehicle break-ins. 

He said that recent increases in state funding for the University of Alaska have allowed UPD to expand its staffing. 

He added UPD is dedicated to keeping campus safe using more officers to cover more areas around campus. 

According to previous The Northern Light reporting, a similar incident occurred in 2024, where UPD and the Anchorage Police Department responded to several gunshots at University Lake Park and near university residence halls.