Fairbanks police say injured officer was shot 5 times

The Fairbanks Police Department released new details regarding an officer who was shot over the weekend.

At a press conference Monday, acting police chief Brad Johnson says Sgt. Allen Brandt was responding to reports of gunshots when he came under fire.

“During the attack, Sgt. Brandt was able to exit the vehicle and return fire,” Johnson said. “It is unknown whether or not the suspect was struck.”

Police Chief Johnson says Brandt was shot four times in his lower body and once in his chest.

“Sgt. Brandt was wearing body armor, which protected his chest area,” Johnson said. “He sustained injuries to his legs and shrapnel in his left eye.”

“He is awake, alert and in stable condition.”

After the attack, the shooter stole Brandt’s patrol vehicle and fled, abandoning it a few blocks away.

Sgt. Brandt was flown to an Anchorage hospital for treatment.

The suspect, who is identified as an Alaska Native male in his 20s, remains at large.

No further details are available at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.