By Police1 Staff
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Police released footage Wednesday of a high-speed pursuit and fatal officer-involved shooting of an armed man.
Police were investigating a stolen vehicle and property case on Memorial Day when they witnessed Shawn Christopher Buck, 23, approaching the scene in his car, KTUU reported.
Buck, who was known to have three felony arrest warrants and prior convictions, was pulled over by troopers. Police Chief Brad Johnson said Buck refused to comply and fled.
Speeds exceeded over 100 mph as Buck drove into oncoming traffic and the wrong way down a highway ramp. Johnson said at one point, Buck pointed a handgun at a trooper and almost struck a motorist.
“At this time of day, vehicle traffic was busy with people leaving for Memorial Day weekend,” Johnson said. “This was further compounded the closer Buck got into the city of Fairbanks with much more traffic and innocent lives at stake.”
Police placed spike strips down. Buck drove over them and fired one shot at an officer, who was not hit. Despite all tires being deflated, Buck continued to flee. He rammed multiple police cars to avoid being boxed in.
After striking a patrol car head on, police approached Buck’s car on foot and fired several shots after seeing a gun in his hand. Buck died from his injuries at the hospital.
The Office of Special Prosecutions cleared all four officers of any wrongdoing.