Anchorage Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch: Thursday, July 17, 1986
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 17, 1986
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 119 years
Police Officer Harry Hanson was shot and killed while searching for a suspect who had shot at another officer.
After shooting at the first officer, the suspect stole her cruiser and fled. He crashed into a wall and began fleeing on foot. Officer Hanson arrived, leaving his canine in his cruiser, and began tracking the suspect with a second canine officer. As they approached the suspect's hiding place, he opened fire, striking Officer Hanson in the neck. Other officers returned fire, striking the suspect several times.
The suspect was arrested and sentenced to 119 years.
Officer Hanson had served with the Anchorage Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife and five children.