A gunman who was firing within Point Hope in Northwest Alaska village of Point Hope Wednesday was killed and shot by an officer from the North Slope Borough police officer Alaska State Troopers claim.
According to the trooper’s report published online on early Thursday, the troopers had been told at around 12:00 p.m. Wednesday about the shooting. This suspect has been identified as a 40-year-old Point Hope resident Robert Nash.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation responded to the village which was located about 350 miles to the from Utqiagvik.
Troopers reported that, based on the preliminary investigation of the bureau, Nash had been firing the rifle at people and structures in the community of 800 residents.
The staff in the neighborhood AC retailer at Point Hope, reached at midday Wednesday, told us that the town was locked down.
The officer from the borough who was on scene was able to locate Nash carrying an extended gun in the town’s outskirts in accordance with the trooper’s report.
“The officer instructed Nash to take the gun off his shoulder but Nash refused and pointed his firearm at his officer” according to the report of a trooper. “Due to the conduct of Nash an NSBPD officer fired his duty weapon, hitting Nash.”
Nash was transported for transport to Point Hope clinic, where the troopers confirmed that he passed away. There was no injury to anyone else during the incident.
Troopers say Nash’s family members have been informed, and his body was transferred to the office of the state medical examiner to be examined by an autopsy.
Nash’s shooting is being investigated through Nash’s shooting is being investigated by Alaska Bureau of Investigation. The investigation will be reviewed through the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.
This is a new story. Keep an eye out for updates.
KNOM’s Greg Knight contributed reporting.
