APD Identifies Knife-Wielding Man, Officer Who Shot Him

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Anchorage police have identified the knife-wielding Anchorage man who tried to ignite pumps at a Midtown gas station with a lighter late Sunday evening, as well as the officer who shot and killed him.

Officer Matthew Barth shot Jay Allen Johnson, 52, at the Fred Meyer gas station on Northern Lights Boulevard and the New Seward Highway at about 11:45 p.m. after Johnson lunged at officers with a knife. According to APD spokesperson Marlene Lammers, Barth has served with APD for three years.

An investigation into Johnson’s shooting is continuing. The Office of Special Prosecution will review the evidence to determine whether Barth was justified in his actions.