The Anchorage Police Department has released video showing an officer fatally shooting 16-year-old Easter Leafa when she confronted police while armed with a knife.
Officer Involved Shooting Investigation – 4800-block of E 43rd Avenue
Update on 9/30/24:
From the Attorney General’s Office:
Today, the Office of Special Prosecutions completed its review of an officer-involved shooting on August 13, 2024, involving 16, and Anchorage Police Department Officer Alexander Roman.
The review determined that Officer Roman was legally justified in his use of deadly force against. The incident occurred after APD received a 911 call alleging had threatened a family member with a knife and responded to the report.
Update on 8/17/24:
The officer who discharged his weapon last Tuesday evening has been identified as Officer Alexander Roman. He was hired in December 2017.
Update at 9 AM on 8/14/24 :
At 11:32 PM on August 13, 2024, Anchorage Police Patrol Officers responded to an apartment complex on the 4800-block of E 43rd Avenue regarding a disturbance with a weapon. It had been reported to Dispatch that a female was threatening others inside the apartment with a knife.
Several officers responded to the scene, some of whom entered the involved apartment. Multiple commands were given by police. Ultimately, one officer discharged his weapon inside the home, striking the suspect in the upper and lower body. First aid was rendered to the suspect at the scene. She was transported to a hospital by AFD Medics, where she was ultimately declared deceased.
There were other people present inside the apartment at the time of the shooting. No one else was injured.
APD’s Crime Scene Team will be responding to process the site. There will be a continued police presence in the area while that occurs.
The suspect is 16 years old. Her name will not be released by APD due to her age.
Per policy the State’s Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) will review the officer’s use of force and determine whether it was legally justified. Once that has been completed, APD Internal Affairs will review the officer’s actions to confirm whether there was any violation of policy. As per APD practice the officer will be placed on four days of administrative leave. His name will be released publicly 72 hours after the incident.
Once OSP has completed its investigation, its findings will be available for the public to review.
Original at 2:45 AM on 8/14/24:
Officers are investigating an officer-involved shooting on the 4800-block of E 43rd Avenue. One suspect is deceased. No officers were injured.
There is a large police presence in the area; however, no roadways are closed.
Additional details will be provided at a press conference at 9 AM, which will be live-streamed on APD’s Facebook page.
APD Case 24-25066