Review clears troopers in Wasilla shooting

WASILLA — A review regarding department policies and procedures found that Alaska State Troopers involved in the shooting death of 58-year-old Nora York took appropriate action and the appropriate level of force during the incident on Nov. 14, 2009. This review, finalized Thursday, was the last step of the criminal and internal investigation into the troopers’ actions that morning.

The Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions and Appeals reviewed the investigation conducted by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. ABI is the bureau within the Division of Alaska State Troopers that investigates major crimes and all trooper-involved shootings. OSPA determined that the troopers acted within the law when they shot York after York pointed a gun in the direction of troopers that morning.

At 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 14, the review says, Mat-Com dispatch received a 911 call from a man reporting that York, 58, of Wasilla, was suicidal and threatening him with a shotgun.

While on the phone with the complainant, York could be heard in the background mentioning statements wanting to perform “suicide by cop.”

While troopers were en route, according to the review, York pointed the shotgun at the man, causing him to beg for his life. York had also made previous threats to harm the man and a neighbor.

Due to a shift change at the time of the call, seven Alaska State Troopers responded to the residence off Wasilla-Fishhook Road. Once on scene, the review says, several troopers contacted York outside the home while the wheelchair-bound man remained inside.

York was armed with two firearms and walked toward troopers. While troopers attempted to defuse the situation and ensure the man’s safety, York walked back and tried to enter the home. Troopers tried to verbally convince York to put down the weapons. Troopers positioned themselves to block York’s re-entry into the home, according the review.

Troopers deployed Tasers three times without effect. York continued to refuse to disarm and pointed the shotgun at two of the troopers immediately after the third Taser deployment. Five troopers fired their service weapons. York was struck by several rounds and fatally injured. York was declared dead at the scene.

The troopers involved in the incident were:

• Daron Cooper, Mat-Su West Patrol, B Detachment.

• Ronald Hayes, Palmer Patrol, B Detachment.

• Joshua Varys, Palmer Patrol, B Detachment.

• Recruit Lance Jamison-Ewers, Palmer Patrol, B Detachment.

• Timothy Cronin, Palmer Patrol, B Detachment.

Troopers Sgt. Chris Hill, a supervisor of Mat-Su West patrol, and Trooper Recruit Daniel Pulice also responded to the call.