Names released of troopers involved in fatal Fairbanks shooting
The names of the troopers involved in the shooting that took place Saturday June 15th at a residence in North Fairbanks have been released.
The trooper that utilized his service weapon on June 15 is identified as Trooper Brian Hibbs. Trooper Hibbs, of the Fairbanks Post, is an 8-year veteran of the Department of Public Safety.
The trooper that was injured during the incident, and utilized less-lethal force, is identified as Trooper Derek Cottle. Trooper Cottle, of the Fairbanks Post, is a 7-month veteran of the Department of Public Safety. Trooper Cottle served as a police office at Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire for approximately 8 years prior to joining the Alaska State Troopers.
A man is dead and an Alaska State Trooper is injured after a shooting at a Fairbanks residence early Saturday morning.
According to AST Director Barry Wilson, around 5 am, troopers were attempting to serve a $100,000 warrant, for fraud and theft, to Fairbanks resident Shawn Ray Wilson, 48.
During the attempted arrest, a shooting took place resulting in the death of the suspect. Trooper Wilson spoke in a press conference today about the events leading up the suspect's death.
"As troopers attempted to take Mr. Wilson into custody, he pulled a weapon and shot at and hit a Trooper attempting to use less than lethal means of force on Mr. Wilson," said Colonel Trooper Barry Wilson. "A second trooper discharged his weapon striking Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson was pronounced deceased at the scene."
Trooper Barry Wilson went on to say the injured trooper was shot in the lower half of their body. The trooper was sent to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital but later released.
The names of the troopers involved in the shooting will be released on Tuesday June 18th after the 72 hour waiting period expires.
Per the Alaska Court System website Wilson was indicted on one count of felony forgery and one count of felony theft. The charges stemmed from an incident that happened on Oct. 13, 2017 and the warrant for his arrest was issued March 26th, 2019.
