An investigation is underway after a man was killed in a Wasilla officer-involved shooting early Monday morning.
Shortly after midnight, the Wasilla Police Department responded to a “domestic dispute” at 1201 Jack Nicklaus Dr. When officers arrived, they were confronted by an armed suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Michael Bonty, according to a statement from WPD.
“Bonty was shot by Wasilla Officers and died as a result of the contact,” WPD wrote.
Police say Bonty was home with another person and that he was armed.
Neighbors say he lived in the residence with his parents.
WPD says while lethal force can be necessary, it’s something an officer never wants to do.
“When officers are forced to fire their guns to protect their own lives or another, it does weigh very heavily on them and their family,” said WPD officer Rick Manrique. “This is really a sad day for our community and our department as well as the family members affected by this.”
In standard protocol for law enforcement agencies in Alaska, the name of the officer who shot Bonty will be released after 72 hours.
Alaska State Troopers are investigating the shooting.