Press Release

Office of Special Prosecutions Completes Review of Officer-Involved Shooting in Anchorage

December 13, 2024

(Anchorage, AK) – The Office of Special Prosecutions completed its review of an officer-involved shooting from Aug. 23, 2024, involving Michael Alto and Anchorage Police Department Officer Ryan Kelley. The review determined that Officer Kelley was legally justified in his use of deadly force against Mr. Alto.

The incident occurred after APD received a 911 call alleging a male had pointed a gun at two individuals in the Ship Creek area.

Mr. Alto is facing one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, and two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, stemming from this incident, as well as other charges related to events from the day prior. That case is being prosecuted by the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office.

The charges in the criminal case against Mr. Alto are only allegations and are not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

CONTACT: Chief Assistant Attorney General Jenna Gruenstein, at (907) 269-6250 or jenna.gruenstein@alaska.gov.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.