Officer discharged firearm during handling of mental health incident in Southwest Alaska, authorities report

An Alaska State Trooper, identified as Christopher Green, responded to a call about a suicidal teenager in the village of Marshall in Southwest Alaska. The Trooper was accompanied by another trooper and a Marshall tribal police officer. Reports indicated that an armed 18-year-old woman was threatening to take her own life. The incident took place last weekend around 2 p.m., and fortunately, no one was injured during the encounter.

Upon arriving at the home in Marshall, one trooper remained outside while Trooper Green and the police officer entered to speak with the teenager. As they attempted to leave the residence and find cover, the teenager revealed a loaded handgun, prompting Trooper Green to fire his own weapon. The Alaska State Troopers’ Western Alaska Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating the incident, and the state Office of Special Prosecutions will independently review their findings.

Due to the ongoing investigation, details about the specific actions that led to Trooper Green firing his weapon are not available at this time. The teenager was later taken into protective custody after leaving the home. Trooper Green, who has been with the department for 16 years and is assigned to the Saint Mary’s post, was in Marshall for a separate incident on the same day.

Once the investigation is completed, the troopers plan to release body-worn camera footage from Trooper Green, as well as footage from vehicle cameras. This will provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding the firing of the handgun in response to the suicidal teenager’s actions.