By admin 
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – An alleged shoplifter was shot and killed, and three officers were injured in a shooting at a Walmart in Alaska on Tuesday.
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According to the Anchorage Police Department, officers were called that night by Walmart staff who said they had stopped a man who was committing retail theft and had them detained.
However, Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case said the situation quickly turned violent.
“This went from a simple misdemeanor arrest to a very violent act at the snap of a finger,” Case said during a Wednesday news conference.
According to Case, the man being held at the store attempted to escape the loss prevention office when the arriving officers were trying to make contact with him and a struggle ensued.
Authorities said the theft suspect then fired a gun that he had concealed at the officers when they were attempting to place him in handcuffs.
“Almost immediately when the officer made contact with the suspect, he attempted to flee the room,” Case said. “The three officers and the suspect went down to the ground.”
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One of the officers was struck in the lower body, and another in the chest, with the bullet being stopped by the officer’s vest, Case said.
The officer who was hit in the chest returned fire, killing the suspect.
Three officers in total were injured in the shooting and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
“I want to be very clear: we almost lost an officer last night, probably two,” Case said.
Alaska authorities said the suspect would be identified once his family has been notified.
The officers involved have been placed on four days of administrative leave, as standard protocol, with the shooting being reviewed by the Office of Special Prosecutions.
Case noted during Wednesday’s press conference that the department would not let up on enforcing the law on retail theft or violent crime, despite the shooting.
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