FAIRBANKS — Fairbanks police have released the name of an officer who shot and killed a man who took a hostage while fleeing authorities
Police in a Friday release identified the officer as Sgt. Gregory Foster, an 18-year department veteran. Authorities earlier identified the suspect killed Tuesday as 28-year-old James Robert Richards.
Officers had responded to a report of shots fired at a motel room, where the shooter and a group of people struggled before Richards fled on foot.
Police pursued Richards through a restaurant parking lot. Police say Richards grabbed an elderly man from a bus stop during the pursuit and ignored commands to drop his weapon. Police unsuccessfully used a stun gun on Richards before Foster shot him twice.
The hostage, who was being held by the arm, was not injured.
Results of a law enforcement investigation will be turned over to the state attorney general’s office to determine if deadly force was warranted.
