FAIRBANKS — Authorities have identified a Fairbanks man who was fatally shot by police after they say he took a person hostage and ignored officers’ commands to drop his weapon.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported 28-year-old James Robert Richards was shot and killed Tuesday.
Police spokeswoman Yumi McCulloch said officers responded to a report of an armed man pointing a gun at people in a motel room. She says a struggle ensued and the man fled on foot.
Police pursued the suspect through a restaurant parking lot.
McCulloch said the man grabbed a hostage during the pursuit and ignored commands to drop his weapon.
She said police unsuccessfully used a stun gun on Richards before fatally shooting him.
McCulloch said the body cameras of officers involved have been seized for evidence.
