Standoff continues after two police officers were killed during ‘ambush’ in Hoonah, Alaska

If you live in the Southeast Alaska town of Hoonah, you're advised to stay away from Front Street. As of 7 p.m. Sunday, authorities were engaged in a standoff with John Marvin Jr., the suspect in the alleged ambush and killing of Hoonah police officers Matthew Tokuoka and Anthony Wallace Saturday night.

Here's the updated press release:

Troopers Continue Efforts to Arrest Man Allegedly Responsible for Ambush

(HOONAH, Alaska)- Troopers and other law enforcement entities on scene are continuing their efforts to peacefully resolve the situation.

"My deepest condolences go out to the officer's families, to the Hoonah Police Department and to the community of Hoonah," said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Joe Masters. "I want to provide a sincere thank you to all the entities that have come together to assist in the response to this terrible incident. Our first priority is to continue to ensure the safety for the residence of Hoonah. The law enforcement community in Alaska is banding together, from the U.S. Coast Guard to our Alaska State Troopers to ensure this priority is accomplished."

The U.S. Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter with crew from Sitka to assist with transporting one of the wounded police officers to Juneau. It also was instrumental in transporting the Juneau Police Department's SWAT team to Hoonah via boat. Hoonah Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, all elements of the Alaska State Trooper Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) as well as Patrol Troopers are all contributing manpower and resources to the ongoing situation.

"We are offering up our condolences and our support to the community of Hoonah however we can," said Col. Audie Holloway, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. "Sadly, two police officers lost their lives. We hope to end this standoff without any further tragedy. When this event is resolved, the Alaska State Troopers will provide staffing assistance as the Hoonah Police department deals with this tragedy."

Alaska State Troopers are continuing to encourage the public to stay away from Front Street in Hoonah while the incident is ongoing.

No further updates are expected today, unless there is a resolution to this incident.

All media inquiries should be directed through the Alaska State Troopers Public Information Office. PIO Megan Peters can be contacted at 351-3137.

***FIRST UPDATE***

(HOONAH, Alaska) - The Hoonah Police Officers involved in this incident have succumbed to their injuries that they sustained in the ambush. Next of Kin has been notified.

***ORIGNIAL RELEASE***

(HOONAH, Alaska) - Last night the Alaska State Troopers were contacted by the Hoonah Police Department and requested immediate assistance after two of its officers were ambushed.

The Alaska State Troopers responded to Hoonah with its Southcentral SERT, Southern SERT, Patrol Troopers from nearby AST posts and AWT Troopers. Fairbanks SERT is en route. Last night the Juneau Police Department also deployed its tactical team to Hoonah to assist. The Coast Guard was instrumental in bringing resources into Hoonah.

Currently, the suspect is barricaded and contained. Troopers, in conjunction with the other law enforcement entities on hand, are working to resolve the situation peacefully.

The Hoonah Police Officers involved have been identified as 39-year old Officer Matthew Tokuoka and 32-year old Sergeant Anthony Wallace.

The suspect has been identified as 45-year old Hoonah resident John Marvin Jr. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The public is encouraged to stay away from Front Street in Hoonah while the incident is ongoing.