In a shocking incident, two Alaska State troopers, Sergeant Joseph Miller and canine handler Jason Woodruff, were criminally charged for assaulting and unleashing a police dog on a man they mistook for someone with an active warrant. The incident occurred in Kenai, Alaska, on May 24, where body camera footage showed brutal actions by the officers. The Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety expressed his shock and disgust at the incident, which he described as unprecedented in his 33-year career. The victim, Ben Tikka, suffered injuries including a fractured shoulder, cuts to his head, and multiple dog bites.
Alaska State troopers and Kenai police responded to a report of possible illegal camping in a vehicle associated with Garrett Tikka, who had an active warrant. However, the man found inside the vehicle was Garrett’s cousin, Ben Tikka. Despite the mistaken identity, the troopers used excessive force on Ben Tikka, including breaking the rear window, deploying pepper spray, kicking, punching, and ultimately unleashing a police dog on him. The dog bit Tikka repeatedly, causing significant injuries, while he begged for the officers to stop. The incident resulted in Tikka being falsely arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The actions of the officers were flagged by a commander during a standard review of use of force cases. This led to a criminal investigation launched by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation and subsequently charges being filed by The Alaska Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions. The Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety condemned the officers’ actions as unacceptable, emphasizing that they violated training and policy standards. The officers, both long-serving members of the department, are now on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore noted that it is rare to see charges filed against troopers for excessive use of force in Alaska. The officials also stated that past incidents involving the officers are under investigation for possible policy violations. While the body camera footage of the incident has not been released to the public, it will be kept under wraps until the criminal case is concluded. Both officers are due in court on September 10, and the canine officer involved has been retired from service.
The assault on Ben Tikka by the Alaska State troopers and the subsequent criminal charges against them have sparked outrage and raised concerns about police brutality in the state. The incident highlights the importance of accountability and proper training within law enforcement agencies to prevent such egregious behavior. The victim’s injuries and the officers’ misconduct serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and oversight to ensure that law enforcement officers uphold their duty to serve and protect the community. as they are trained to do. The case also underscores the impact of body camera footage in revealing instances of police misconduct and holding officers accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the criminal charges against the two Alaska State troopers for assault and the excessive use of force on Ben Tikka are a disturbing reminder of the potential abuses of power within law enforcement. The incident in Kenai has raised questions about the accountability and training of officers and the need for transparency in policing practices. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for authorities to address the underlying issues that led to this violent encounter and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. By holding officers accountable for their actions and enforcing strict policies against excessive force, law enforcement agencies can work towards rebuilding trust with the communities they serve.
