Troopers fatally shoot convicted fugitive Philip Phillips on Whittier boat

A man convicted of sexual abuse of a minor and harassment, wanted on a no-bail warrant, was shot and killed by Alaska State Troopers SWAT members Thursday evening after brandishing a handgun in the direction of officers from an anchored boat in the Whittier area. No officers were injured.

Philip Phillips, 58, of Wasilla had been the subject of the warrant since failing to appear following his conviction. A Palmer jury found him guilty July 8 of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the 1st Degree, Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the 2nd Degree, and Harassment in the 1st Degree for conduct that occurred in 2020. The Alaska Department of Law announced the verdict that day. Troopers issued a public bulletin seeking him the following morning.

Confrontation and Shooting

The Southcentral SWAT team, joined by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, located Phillips at 8:07 p.m. Thursday on a boat at anchor. He refused to participate in negotiations for his surrender. Troopers deployed less-lethal tools and chemical agents. Phillips responded by putting on ballistic body armor and a gas mask. He then brandished his firearm in the direction of officers, and SWAT members fired. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy. His next of kin have been notified.

Investigation and Review

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions will independently review the case to determine whether criminal charges against any officer are warranted. That two-step process, ABI investigation followed by OSP review, is the standard channel Alaska uses for officer-involved shootings statewide.

The officers involved have been placed on seven days of administrative leave, in accordance with Department of Public Safety policy. Their names are to be released within 72 hours of the dispatch posted Friday morning.