ANCHORAGE — Anchorage police shot and killed a man wanted on felony warrants after he pointed a handgun at officers, police said Thursday.
Police initially reported that Thomas Barclay, 48, fired at least two rounds late Wednesday night at arresting officers. However, police spokeswoman Nora Morse in an email response to questions said investigators had not determined whether Barclay had fired a handgun as police surrounded his car.
“I can confirm that he pointed a weapon at officers,” Morse said.
At a press conference Thursday, Police Chief Justin Doll said officers with the recently created investigative support unit, charged with tracking down violent felons, had been looking for Barclay for about a week.
Barclay was wanted on multiple felony warrants on assault, weapons and driving under the influence charges.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, police found Barclay in the parking lot of a Fred Meyer store on Muldoon Road. A woman, described by Doll as Barclay’s “significant other,” was in the passenger seat.
Officers used patrol vehicles and unmarked cars to pin in Barclay’s car on all sides, Doll said.
“It prevents the vehicle from getting away from officers, and turning into a pursuit, further endangering the public,” he said.
An officer fired a projectile into Barclay’s back window, shattering the glass. The opening allows officers to speak to suspects, allows suspects to safely exit if they surrender, and gives officers an opening to use pepper spray, Doll said.
Barclay produced a gun and pointed it at officers, Doll said. Three officers opened fire, killing him.
The woman got out of the car and was apprehended. She was questioned and released, Doll said. She was not injured.
Officers who fired their weapons were placed on mandatory administrative leave.
The case will be reviewed by the Office of Special Prosecutions.
