By Neil Torquiano
NBC - 2 KTUU
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A double amputee in a motorized wheelchair with a medium-sized service dog allegedly shot a Walmart manager Saturday afternoon over a dispute about the dog, according to the Anchorage Police Department.
Anita Shell, APD spokesperson, said the shooting happened shortly before 3 p.m. inside the Walmart on A Street and later identified the shooting victim as 33-year-old manager Jason Mahi.
Police identified the shooting suspect as 45-year-old Daniel Pirtle after he was charged with first degree assault and fourth degree misconduct involving weapons. His bail was set at $50,000.
“One of our off-duty sergeants happened to be shopping in there at the time and heard a gunshot, heard some of the employees and also some of the shoppers say somebody had been shot,” said APD Sgt. Cameron Hokeson.
Sgt. Hokeson said the shooting happened near the sporting section of the store.
“There was some sort of dispute and they had asked the gentleman to leave,” said Sgt. Hokeson. “He was there with his service dog, and from my understanding the dog was without a leash and they asked him to leave.”
Sgt. Hokeson said something happened on the way out as Mahi escorted Pirtle out of the store and Pirtle allegedly shot Mahi with a handgun. Pirtle was found outside in front of the store by police in the motorized store buggy. Hokeson said there were no other suspects and no danger to the public.
Shell said Pirtle was placed in custody and Mahi was transported to a local hospital for at least one gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Hokeson said Mahi was taken to the hospital in stable condition. He was undergoing surgery shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday, according to police.
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