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James V. Afuvai

Gender : Male

Age : 24

Race : Native Pacific Islander

Date : 09/29/2024

Location : 500 block of N. Park Street

City : Anchorage

County : Anchorage

State : Alaska

Agency : Anchorage Police Department

Officer(s) :Sgt. James Dokken

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On September 29, 2024, Anchorage Police responded to a mental health crisis call involving James V. Afuvai, a 24-year-old man with a knife. Afuvai made several confusing 911 calls, one of which involved him falsely reporting gunfire and claiming to be the victim of a threat. Upon arrival, Sgt. James Dokken encountered Afuvai, who was allegedly holding a 14-inch knife and advancing toward the officer. Despite verbal commands to stop and retreat, Afuvai continued to approach. Sergeant Dokken fired his weapon and fatally shot him. The entire altercation lasted approximately 15 seconds, and no bystanders were injured. Afuvai’s family expressed confusion, noting that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia but had never shown violent behavior before. The incident was the second fatal officer-involved shooting of a Samoan Native in Anchorage within six weeks.
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Investigating Agency: Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department
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Last update: 11/26/2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/09/30/1-dead-anchorage-officer-involved-shooting/
https://www.thetundradrums.com/article/anchorage-police-release-details-about-mountain-view-shooting-involving-james-afuvai