Update:
ANCHORAGE (AP) — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man suspected of firing shots south of Anchorage, leading law enforcement officers to close the Seward Highway for more than 12 hours.
Alaska State Troopers are seeking 36-year-old Kevin Thibodeau on a warrant charging him with assault and weapons misconduct.
Troopers just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday took a report of an armed man near Beluga Point. As troopers and police approached the popular pullout at the point, the man fired a handgun.
Troopers and police closed the highway in response.
Troopers brought in a SWAT team and officers Thursday morning began a ground search.
Thibodeau could not be found.
The Seward Highway was reopened at just before 9:30 a.m.
Troopers say people with information about Thibodeu’s location should call them or Anchorage police.
Original story:
ANCHORAGE — The only highway connecting Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula has been reopened after law enforcement closed the roadway to deal with a man with a gun.
Anchorage police just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday announced they were closing the Seward Highway because of a distraught, armed man who had fired shots and threatened another person.
According to the Alaska Department of Transportation, the highway reopened in both directions after 9 a.m. Thursday between McHugh Creek and Beluga Point.
Avalanche hazard mitigation work is ongoing in the same area, and may cause delays.
— Staff and wire reports
