Anchorage police name officer and suspect in fatal industry district shooting

Anchorage police have identified the two men involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday at a location near Industry Way. The suspect is 33-year-old Rodrigo Gonzalez, and the officer is Jace Vickerman. The incident marks the conclusion of an active search that began earlier in the week.

According to APD Chief Sean Case, the timeline started at 10:05 a.m. with a report of a burglary at a business on Lore Road. Officers located Gonzalez around 12201 Industry Way at approximately 1:41 p.m. During an attempt to take him into custody, a physical struggle took place on the ground. Case stated that Gonzalez fired one shot during this scuffle. Vickerman arrived at the scene and discharged a single round, striking Gonzalez.

Police provided emergency medical care on site, but Gonzalez was pronounced dead. Authorities confirmed that they had been seeking Gonzalez on two felony warrants as of Oct. 4. Vickerman has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard departmental practice. Notification of next of kin is complete.

The Office of Special Prosecutions will now review Vickerman’s use of force to determine if it was justified. Following that review, APD Internal Affairs will examine the officer’s actions to check for any violations of policy. This dual review process is the standard procedure for such incidents in Anchorage.