Thursday, May 23, 2013

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Names of Police Officers in Fatal Shooting Released
Both officers have over ten years on the force
By Matthew F. Smith


ANCHORAGE - Anchorage police have released the names of the two officers who shot and killed a 25-year-old man during an intense encounter on Tuesday. For one officer, this is the second time in his career that he's opened fire while on the job.

According to Anchorage police, Senior Patrol Officer Roger Billiet and Senior Patrol Officer Alan Rydberg opened fire Tuesday morning on Carl Bowie III.

A total of seven rounds from both their guns. Three of those bullets struck Bowie. Police say Bowie evaded spike strips and rammed their cars. Bowie's family members have said the incident could have ended without his death.

Derek Hsieh, the president of the Anchorage Police Department Employees Assocation, said deadly force was a last resort.

“Anchorage Police Department encourages officers to use every possible means prior to using deadly force, and the officers own mental state is one where they try to avoid that at all costs. It’s basically the worst nightmare for any police officer to have to use deadly force.”

According to Hsieh, Rydberg was involved in another on-the-job shooting about five years ago that left one suspect wounded.

Bot Billiet and Rydberg have each been with APD for more than a decade.