UPDATE:
At 10:28 AM on June 20, 2018, Police Dispatch were notified that one of the people searching for missing person Michael Soltis had been attacked by a brown bear near the area at the dead end of Hiland Road in Eagle River. The victim was transported to a hospital with serious injuries to his leg; he is expected to survive.
Shortly after the attack, officers entered the woods to search for the bear. It is at that time they located missing person Michael Soltis who died as a result of a bear attack. It appears the brown bear was protecting the body when it attacked a member of the search party.
Multiple officers are in the area and have set up a perimeter around the body to protect it for the Medical Examiner. Once the ME arrives the body will be removed. The bear has not been located as of this time.
Police are still asking people to avoid the area due to the aggressive bear.
ORIGINAL:
Last seen 5 pm on Monday evening June 18th. Mr. Soltis DOB is 08/18/1973 5'10" 195 lbs brown hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray or black hoody, sweatpants and tennis shoes. Last seen in the area of Hiland road about mile 8, where it is assumed he went out for a hike. Please contact Anchorage Police Department with any information at 311 reference our case 18-24636. Thank you.
APD Case: 18-24636
