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Video: Man who allegedly threatened, fought with girlfriend runs at Alaska LEOs with shotgun before fatal OIS

Anchorage Police Department officers used a loudspeaker to instruct the man to come out with his hands up; instead, he immediately moved toward officers with the gun

By Joanna Putman
Police1

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A man who threatened his girlfriend and made suicidal comments ran toward Anchorage Police Department officers with a shotgun, leading to a fatal officer-involved shooting, Alaska Public Media reported.

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Evansville officers issued verbal commands for the suspect to drop the weapon, but instead of complying, the suspect raised the firearm and aimed it at officers in a firing stance

The incident occurred on May 13 when officers responded to a report of a disturbance between a man and a woman, according to the report. While en route, dispatchers informed them that the male suspect had left the building carrying a long gun.

Upon arrival, officers used a public address system to order the suspect to drop his weapon and come out with his hands up, video released July 31 shows. The suspect ignored the commands and advanced toward the officers with a shotgun in hand.

The suspect then raised the shotgun in the air and shouted at the officers before moving rapidly towards them. Multiple officers then fired shots, striking the suspect 10 times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Office of Special Prosecutions’ findings, released in a letter to Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case, noted that the suspect’s girlfriend had told police he had been drinking and making suicidal threats before the incident, according to the report.

State investigators concluded that the officers’ belief that the suspect posed a threat to their lives was justified. The officers involved will not face charges.