FAIRBANKS, ALASKA (WKZO-AM) — Flags will be flying at half-staff in Alaska all week for a Sturgis man who was shot in the line of duty two weeks ago and died Friday from complications following surgery.
CBS News reports Sgt. Allen Brandt stopped to talk to a suspicious looking man along a Fairbanks street. Police say Anthony G. Jenkins-Alexie pulled out a gun and shot Brandt five times and took his police cruiser for a joy-ride. He has been held for attempted murder, but that charge is expected to be changed to murder on Monday.
Acting Fairbanks Police Chief Brad Johnsen told reporters at a press briefing that “our community, this department, our families, our friends are hurting. 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.”
Brandt had been with the Fairbanks Police Department for eleven years. Johnsen said he was undergoing surgery to remove shrapnel from an eye, when there were complications and his condition worsened, eventually taking his life.
Brandt was in the graduating class of 2000 at Sturgis High School. Funeral plans have not been announced.
Brandt is survived by a wife and four children. A fundraising website has been established to raise money for his family.
Brandt was 34.
