Alaska Department of Public Safety, State Troopers Public Information Office

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Critical Incidents

The Alaska Department of Public Safety is committed to being transparent and up-front with the citizens that we serve. As part of this effort, we will release any body-worn camera or dash camera video recordings that show lethal uses of force by DPS employees once our investigation is complete and any criminal court proceedings are completed. 

Click on the incident number below to view the video recording from this incident. 
 
The videos, audio, and images in these videos is graphic and not suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. 
     
On October 30, 2023, at 2:35 am, the Alaska State Troopers received a 911 call from the occupants of a motel room in Tok stating that a male was attempting to break into the motel room. A Tok-based Trooper responded to the motel and observed an adult male brandishing an AK47 style rifle outside of the motel. Due to the adult male’s actions, the Trooper shot the adult male with their handgun. The male has been identified as 21-year-old Northway resident Timothy Thomas; Thomas was declared deceased at the scene. No Troopers or other individuals were injured.

On July 11, 2024, the Alaska Office of Special Prosecution completed their review of the criminal investigation, and determined that the Trooper's lethal use of force was allowed under Alaska law. You can review the decision here. 


 
PIO Resources
Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Process
 
  1. Lethal Use of Force Occurs
  2. Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI) responds and initiates a comprehensive criminal investigation to determine if the DPS employee committed a crime.
    1. Scene investigation & imaging
    2. Witness interviews
    3. Review of digital evidence
    4. Interviews with DPS employees
    5. Review of autopsy or medical records
    6. Review of forensic analysis
  3. ABI Sends their completed investigation to the Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) who independently reviews the investigation and lethal use of force
  4. OSP completes their review and files criminal charges in Alaska court or provides a formal letter to the investigator explaining the decision not to charge.

Once OSP has completed their review and any associated criminal court cases are completed, DPS will release digital evidence associated with the incident
State of Alaska Department of Public Safety

5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5511

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