Information Release from Chief Derek Bos

September 10, 2024

The Juneau Police Department received a letter today from the State of Alaska Department of Law, Office of Special Prosecutions reference the officer involved shooting that occurred on July 15, 2024 on Front Street. The investigation concluded that the law enforcement officers were legally justified in their use of deadly force. The State of Alaska will not pursue criminal charges in relation to the use of deadly force.

Video footage from the officer involved shooting is being released by the Juneau Police Department today. Four of the videos being released are from the body worn cameras of Juneau Police Department officers. A cell phone video taken from a roof top by a member of the public is also being released.

The incident began as an investigation into an assault and resulted in the fatal shooting of Steven Kissack.

A Juneau Police Department officer was patrolling the downtown area when he identified Steven Kissack who was a person of interest in a recent assault. During the interview, Kissack approached the officer with a knife in hand. The officer issued repeated verbal commands to drop the knife and initiated a request for emergency backup over the radio.

Other law enforcement officers arrived on scene. Commands to drop the knife were continually repeated. Steven Kissack did not comply. Three 40 mm, less lethal rounds were deployed and struck Kissack. On the video, the viewer will hear the officers use the term “40”. This is in reference to the blunt impact less lethal rounds.

Steven Kissack charged at the officers while brandishing his knife. Two law enforcement officers discharged their firearms and Kissack was struck. Lifesaving efforts were performed by law enforcement on scene and Capital City Fire/Rescue. Steven Kissack was taken to the local hospital for treatment. Kissack was pronounced deceased a short time later.

The Juneau Police Department extends condolences to the Kissack family for Steven’s death.

The videos may be accessed on the Juneau Police Department website. Video content and language may not be suitable for all viewers. Some content has been redacted to ensure the right to privacy of witnesses and those others directly involved in the incident.