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Community Reacts to Tasi Toxicology ReportsMan shot by police had drugs, alcohol in his systemRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - It has been more than a month since 26-year-old Shane Tasi was shot and killed by an Anchorage police officer in front of his home in Mountain View. “They’re in deep mourning for the loss of their husband and father,” said Phillip Weidner, attorney for the Tasi family. Police say on the night of June 9, when Officer Boaz Gionson fired at Tasi after police say he threatened him with a broken broomstick, he had alcohol, marijuana, and four chemicals associated with synthetic marijuana, commonly known as spice, in his system. "One of the things that concerned and perplexed the detectives as they were working the case was the fact that they heard from several sources that Mr. Tasi was acting out of character on that evening, when he confronted Officer Gionson,” said Lieutenant Dave Parker, spokesman for the Anchorage Police Department. Investigators say this could explain his behavior that night. “This synthetic marijuana especially has had some very strange results in people, and the mixture of drugs -- we don't know how the drugs interact with one another,” said Parker. But Tasi's family attorney, Phillip Weidner, says this should not excuse the officer's actions. “It appeared that they have alluded to alcohol and marijuana, as some type of justification for their actions, and that’s simply not true, there's absolutely not justification for what transpired,” said Weidner. He says more needs to be done. “I’m disheartened that the Anchorage police have investigated themselves, that the state of Alaska has supposedly cleared the officer without it being subjected to an independent investigation,” he said. Others in the Polynesian community, including Ma'o Tosi, say it's a tragic event that has sparked a movement. “It’s always sad to lose a life, but you want to try to find a silver lining within that, which is, we will come together, there is an awareness that's out there,” said Tosi. What is done with that awareness still remains to be seen. “It’s not just a Polynesian problem in anyway, it’s all communities, all people here in Alaska,” he said. |
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law&order said on Thursday, Jul 19 at 11:48 PM
Anchorage has laws to enforce orderly conduct. You take alcohol and several drugs and bad things will happen to you, especially if you threaten a peace officer. This was not a peaceful, law abiding man. It was not the officers fault, it was the person who was intoxicated and beating animals, etc..
96927261ProPolice said on Thursday, Jul 19 at 5:11 AM
"High Maintenance" Polynesian communities that gripe over the maintenance. The vast majority of people in Anchorage believe the right thing was done. You just aren't going to see a rally from these people because they don't want graffiti sprayed on their homes or cars...or their homes/cars robbed and vandalized. "Shape up...or ship out!"...back to Polynesia. Rude people and violence are not welcome here!!! Maybe Chicago would be a good fit if you feel you have to continue to be a burden to hard-working, law-abiding U.S. Citizens.
96840096Raven33 said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 10:25 PM
Now if the community could only get behind improving their own attitudes and behaviors instead of blaming someone else for their actions. Tasi was not a victim of anyone but himself.
96819316TedtheBear said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 10:02 PM
Mr. Weidner is just a paid dog like any other defense attorney. He is just a puppet to his clientele. Most attorneys are like that unfortunately. This report doesn't excuse anyone. It only explained why Mr. Tasi behaved in the matter that he did that warranted a police officer to shoot him. Officer was cleared of his action long before this report came out.
96818386BB said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 1:32 PM
Good riddens, he was horrible human being, crappy father, abusive husband, and not contributing anything. Why is anyone upset? APD took out the trash, and for that, I say thank you...
96781952Jim Fitzpatrick said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 10:06 AM
If you don't mint a huge tax increase the city could double the police force and send them out in pairs like the old days. At least then the police would always have back-up and be able to use more non-lethal methods without risking their own lives.
96756016Fola Sions said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 9:59 AM
Tosi couldn't of said it better! Forget about the race and focus on promoting to provide better equipment that will disable instead of kill.
96755546joefrog said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 9:51 AM
wow Alfred, how heartless can you get
96754906Alfred Wilson Black said on Wednesday, Jul 18 at 9:25 AM
I am glad he's dead. Too many felons here in Los Anchorage
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