INFORMATION RELEASE

*** Update – PIO Kalwara 12/26/2024 5:05 p.m. ***

The female suspect that was shot during the incident has been identified as 30 year-old Juneau resident Ashley Rae Johnston. Next of kin have been notified. 

*** Update 12/25/2024 at 5:30 P.M. ***

On December 25^th, 2024, at 5:25 a.m., the Juneau Police Department received a report of a disturbance at the Valley Breeze-In. The caller reported there was a female with a hammer screaming at people and the female had threatened the caller with the hammer.

Three JPD officers responded to the scene and were immediately met by the female in the parking lot. The female began walking towards them with a hatchet in her hands. During the initial contact, the female was holding the hatchet and refused to follow requests and orders from the officers to put the hatchet down.

A taser was deployed, which struck the female, but the female continued to advance towards the officers with the hatchet in her hand. As the female walked towards an officer, he discharged his weapon, striking the female. Capital City Fire/Rescue was immediately requested and dispatched.

The female has been identified as a 30 year-old Juneau resident. She was declared deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers or bystanders were injured. Next of kin has been notified.

The Juneau Police Department with assistance from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI) is investigating this incident. Upon the completion of the investigation, the State of Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions will review the officer’s use of force and make a final determination if the use of lethal force was legally justified.

In accordance with JPD policy, police officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. The names of the officers involved in this incident will not be released until after they have been interviewed by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation as part of the formal investigation into this incident. 

Thank you to all the members of our community who have come together to support the individuals and families affected by this incident.

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The Juneau Police Department is on scene at the 2200 block of Trout Street and is investigating an officer-involved shooting. A female has been confirmed deceased, but the identification of the female is currently unknown. Areas of Glacier Highway, from the McNugget Intersection to the Jordan Creek Center, including Trout Street, are closed while the investigation is ongoing.

This press release will be updated as more information becomes available.