Statement from City Manager Katie Koester
August 1, 2025
Good afternoon,
On July 30th Juneau Police Department officers responded to an altercation in which a woman was observed harassing and making racial slurs at a man waiting for the bus in front of the Douglas Library. Officers responded and arrested the female. Another party entered the altercation and was arrested using a technique designed to control the situation by bringing the suspect to the ground. However, this action went terribly wrong and resulted in the suspect hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk, requiring medical attention and transport out of Juneau. CBJ does not have information on his current medical status, nor do we have permission from the family to share that information. Our heartfelt thoughts are with him and his family during this traumatic and difficult experience.
In response to these events, the arresting officer was placed on administrative leave. JPD has requested an independent investigation by an external agency that will review the use and level of force deployed in this incident. Following the investigation, the State of Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions will review the case. In addition, we are conducting an internal investigation that will consider the technique and level of force used and if it was aligned with JPD policy. Body camera footage will be reviewed as part of this investigation and will be made available to the public within 30 days of the incident, or no later than August 30.
CBJ understands the deep community concern over this tragic injury. We recognize that the incident and associated video footage may be deeply upsetting, confusing, and overwhelming and encourage residents to utilize the support services available through local resources (www.juneaumentalhealth.org/services).
We appreciate our community’s outreach and shared concerns, and are taking steps to review our own policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they are consistent with JPD values to preserve human life while meeting its mission to protect public safety.
Respectfully,
Katie Koester, City Manager
City & Borough of Juneau