An Alaska State Trooper was involved in a shooting in Tok on Monday which resulted in a man being killed. Details on the incident are still limited at this time.
State Troopers received a 911 call on Monday, October 30th just after 2:30am, from a motel in Tok. The call originated from a room at the motel, and an occupant on the phone stated that a male was attempting to break into the motel room.
A Tok-based Trooper responded to the motel, and upon arriving at the scene observed an adult male brandishing an AK47 style rifle outside of the building.
A report filed by AST with the Alaska Department of Public Safety states, “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 dead at the scene.
According to AST, no additional information can be provided regarding Thomas’s behavior at this time. In a call to KSRM, AST Communications Director Austin McDaniel said, “At this point that incident is still under investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. To not get ahead of investigators at this point, we’re leaving it at that, but we should have some additional information coming out here in the next day or so.”
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has responded to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting. Thomas’ next of kin have been notified, and his body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
The Trooper who discharged their firearm has been placed on 72 hours of administrative leave in accordance with DPS policy. The Trooper’s name will be released at the end of that 72 hour leave.
No Troopers or other individuals were injured during the incident.
Once ABI’s investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.