Names released of troopers involved in Palmer shooting

Frontiersman staff

PALMER — Alaska State Troopers have released the names of three troopers from the Palmer Post involved in a shooting incident Feb. 10.

Troopers responded to a 911 call about a suicidal man at a residence in Palmer at 10:15 p.m., Thursday.

By the time troopers arrived, the man — whose name is being withheld until charges are filed — had sustained one self-inflicted gun shoot wound that was not life threatening.

After establishing verbal communication with the suicidal male, trooper reports say the man then came to the door brandishing a firearm and fired upon troopers. However, no troopers were injured, according to trooper press releases.

Returning fire Thursday were Trooper Phillip “Nathan” Duce, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Post; Trooper David Eastwood-Koleszar, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Post; and Trooper Joseph Hess, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Post.

Other troopers were on scene, but did not fire their service weapons. The incident is under investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation.

The man was seriously wounded and retreated inside the residence, troopers say.

The Southcentral Special Emergency Reaction Team was called in, but the gunman surrendered without further incident.

Medical personnel were at the scene and transported the man to a local hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.

The incident is under investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation.