Alaska officer dies from surgery complications after being shot Oct. 16

FAIRBANKS, Alaska  -- A Fairbanks Police sergeant who was shot in the line of duty last week died Friday after complications from surgery, the department said.

“Fairbanks lost a hero today,” Deputy Chief Brad Johnson said at a press briefing that was broadcast live on Facebook. “I’m sorry to have to let you know that earlier this afternoon Sgt. Allen Brandt lost the fight.”

Brandt, an 11-year veteran, pulled over to talk to a man walking on a street early on Oct. 16. Authorities say Anthony G. Jenkins-Alexie shot the officer five times, stole his gun and took off for a few blocks in the police cruiser.

Jenkins-Alexie was charged with attempted murder and other counts. Online court records show Jenkins-Alexie is represented by the state Public Defender Agency, which declined to say earlier Friday which attorney is representing him.

Brandt underwent eye surgery Thursday at an Anchorage hospital. But he suffered complications afterward, which continued to deteriorate throughout the day and he was unable to recover, an emotional Johnson said.

“Our community, this department, our families, our friends are hurting,” Johnson said. “We thank you for all the support you’ve given us so far. And we ask for more for his family, for your department and for yourselves. Let’s help each other heal and work through this together.”

A vigil to honor Brandt was scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Fairbanks Police Department, CBS affiliate KTVA reports. Acting Police Chief Brad Johnson and newly elect Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly spoke before a large crowd that gathered.

“He spoke to us about being united, about what it was like to be a police officer, but this man was so selfless he actually said other cops have actually done more than he has done,” Matherly said. “He was the one that suffered this horrific event, that he was thinking of his fellow officers.”

Matherly asked the community to provide strength and prayer to Brandt’s wife, Natasha, and their four children.

In Anchorage, roughly 40 police vehicles with the Anchorage Police Department escorted Brandt’s body to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, where patrol officers and the APD honor guard are standing watch over him until he goes home to Fairbanks, according to Chief Chris Tolley.

“Officers have a heart of service and a heart of supporting the community,” Tolley said when asked about how Brandt’s death was affecting Anchorage police. “With that comes a heart for one another. We really hurt when something like this happens, no matter if it’s in the Anchorage Police Department or in any of the other police departments. Particularly when it’s so close to Anchorage.”

On Friday, Gov. Bill Walker ordered all Alaska flags to be lowered for a week in honor of Brandt.

“Byron [Mallott], Donna, and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sgt. Brandt, the Fairbanks Police Department, and the entire Fairbanks community,” Walker said in a statement Saturday. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the incredible sacrifice and burden members of law enforcement bear each day to keep us safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Brandt’s loved ones and the people of Fairbanks tonight.”