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Nov. 18, 2009
PR #09-084

Troopers Involved in Wasilla Shooting Identified

(WASILLA, Alaska) – The troopers that were involved in the deadly force incident which occurred in Wasilla are identified as: 

  • Trooper Daron Cooper, member of the Mat-Su West Patrol, B Detachment
  • Trooper Ronald Hayes, member of the Palmer Patrol, B Detachment
  • Trooper Joshua Varys, member of the Palmer Patrol, B Detachment
  • Trooper Recruit Lance Jamison-Ewers, member of the Palmer Patrol, B Detachment
  • Trooper Timothy Cronin, member of the Palmer Patrol, B Detachment

Other troopers that responded either used no force or utilized a taser. Taser usage is not considered using deadly force. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation 

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be submitted to the Office of Special Prosecution and Appeals for review. When the review is complete the case will be returned to AST for an internal review regarding policy and procedures. No further information is available to the public or media at this time.

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Nov. 14, 2009
PR #09-083

Domestic Argument Leads to Trooper-Involved Shooting

(WASILLA, Alaska) – At 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 14, Mat-Com dispatch received a 911 call from a male reporting that Nora J. York, 58, of Wasilla was suicidal and threatening him with a shotgun. While on the phone with the complainant, York could be heard in the background mentioning statements wanting to perform "suicide by cop". While troopers were en route, York pointed the shotgun at the complainant, causing him to beg for his life. York had also made previous threats to harm the complainant and a neighbor. Due to shift change at the time of the call, seven Alaska State Troopers responded to the residence located off of Wasilla-Fishhook Road. Once on scene, several troopers contacted York outside the residence while the wheelchair-bound complainant remained inside the residence. York was armed with two firearms and walked towards the troopers. While troopers advanced to attempt to defuse the situation and to ensure the complainant’s safety, York walked back and tried to enter the residence. Throughout the entire incident, troopers tried to verbally convince York to put down the weapons. Troopers then deployed Tasers three different times without effect. York continued to refuse to disarm and pointed the shotgun at the troopers. Five troopers fired their service weapons. York was struck by several rounds and fatally injured. York was declared deceased at the scene. One trooper was injured in the melee, was treated at Mat-Su Regional Hospital for a minor injury and released.

As per department policy, all five troopers who fired their weapons are put on administrative leave for three days. None of the troopers involved in the event will be identified for three days.

PDF version of the release...
Nov. 12, 2009
PR#09-082

DPS Academy Graduates 26 from Seven Different Law Enforcement Agencies

(SITKA, Alaska) – On Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, the Alaska Law Enforcement Training (ALET) Session No. 0902 graduated from the Department of Public Safety Training Academy in Sitka. The basic 15-week ALET includes more than 900 hours of training and incorporates intensive training in law enforcement-related topics, physical fitness and many scenario-based training exercises all designed to prepare entry level police officers and Alaska State Troopers for a successful career in Alaska law enforcement. ALET No. 0902 consisted of 26 graduates from seven different law enforcement agencies in Alaska. The graduates are:

Robert Bentler Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
Daniel Bullard Alaska State Troopers
Tyson Bundy Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
Nicholas Degnan Self Pay
Wyatt Derner Alaska State Troopers
Cody Fenton Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
­Todd Hamilton Kenai Police Department
Nicholas Harvey Nome Police
Travis King Alaska State Troopers
David Ledford Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Casey Meade Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
Neal Miner Alaska State Troopers
Keenan Mulvaney Alaska State Troopers
Eric Nelson Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Jared Noll Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
Lee Phillips Alaska State Troopers
David Russell Alaska State Troopers
David Schneider Fairbanks Airport Police & Fire
Antonio Silva Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Robert Smith Alaska State Troopers
Timothy Smith Alaska State Troopers
Kenneth VanSpronsen Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Stephen Warnaca Juneau Police Department
Charles Withers Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
Lane Wraith Alaska State Troopers
Steven Wright Alaska State Troopers

After graduation from the ALET course, the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers recruits continue their training at the academy for an additional three weeks. This training session is often referred to as Trooper Basic. The trooper recruit receives more tailored and advanced training during this session in Fish and Wildlife investigations, boating safety, survival, commercial fisheries enforcement, media relations, critical stress management, patrol rifle, pepper ball and Stinger spike system. They are also exposed to additional scenario-based training events.

Upon graduation, trooper recruits move to their first duty assignment and begin a 15-week Field Training and Evaluation Program. Trooper recruits are expected to develop to the point of being able to perform all law enforcement functions independently and if successful, will be promoted to Trooper upon the successful completion of their probationary period, generally 12 months from the start of the Academy.

PDF version of the release...