The village police chief who was wounded last week in Chevak, AK, apparently was unarmed. The man who shot the officer subsequently killed himself, reports KTOO .

Village Police Chief Derek McDonald responded to reports of an intoxicated man, later identified as Harold Paniyak, 24, wielding a firearm, according to Alaska State Troopers.

McDonald responded to the call with no firearm of his own, and was shot in the chest by Paniyak with a pistol, the report said. After McDonald fell to the ground, Paniyak fired at least two additional rounds into the officer.

McDonald still managed to flee the scene, helping witnesses take cover in the local Head Start building. Paniyak unsuccessfully attempted to enter the building, the report said. Shortly after that, Paniyak shot himself in the chest with the pistol.

In 2014 the state passed a law allowing village public safety officers to carry guns, but not all officers have chosen to go through the training and take up arms — something that can be difficult for short-staffed departments to find the time and funds to do.

McDonald was still receiving care in an Anchorage hospital for severe injuries at the time of this report.

Related:

Alaskan Man Seriously Wounds Police Officer, Kills Self