Tag: arrest

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Civil lawsuit filed against CBJ after arrest in July led to hospitalization and widespread public outcry

According to the proposed ordinance, when an officer-involved shooting occurs that causes death or serious injury to an officer or someone else, Juneau Police Department would release body-worn camera footage no later than 30 days after the incident. (Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)
According to the proposed ordinance, when an officer-involved shooting occurs that causes death or serious injury to an officer or someone else, Juneau Police Department would release body-worn camera footage no later than 30 days after the incident. (Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)
According to the proposed ordinance, when an officer-involved shooting occurs that causes death or serious injury to an officer or someone else, Juneau Police Department would release body-worn camera footage no later than 30 days after the incident. (Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)
(Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)

NOTN- The Juneau Man who was knocked unconscious during an arrest in July is now suing the city and Former JPD Officer Brandon LeBlanc, alleging he used excessive force.

The case was opened November 13, and assigned to Judge Amanda Browning according to court documents.

Christopher Williams Jr. is represented by attorney Jeffrey Barber.

No response from the City and Borough of Juneau or Brandon LeBlanc has been filed in the publicly available record as of November 18.

The video of the arrest was posted to social media, prompting widespread public outcry, from city leaders, Tlingit and Haida, and even prompting peaceful protest as well as policy and training reforms within the Juneau Police Department.

Williams was medevaced to Anchorage after being taken to the ground outside the Douglas Library.

A GoFundMe was set up for Williams’ recovery in August and raised $4,692.

LeBlanc resigned from the department a day before the body camera footage was released, and the state office of special prosecutions did not file criminal charges.

Nearly 100 protesters peacefully called for accountability and systemic police reform following his arrest with organizer Jamiann S’eiltin saying the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against Indigenous people.

“This isn’t something new,” S’eiltin said in July. “This has been going on since almost time immemorial, since the arrival of Western European settlers. So, just want to put that out there that we are brutally attacked 10 times more than the national average.”

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Juneau man arrested after package containing fentanyl was taken to local business

NOTN- A 50-year-old Juneau man was arrested this week after investigators intercepted a package containing more than 200 grams of fentanyl that was shipped to the capital city, according to a press release by the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD) task force.

Investigators identified the suspicious package on October 12 and determined it contained about 219 grams of fentanyl, SEACAD said. The next day, the package was delivered to Joshua R. Riley, who allegedly took it to All-Star Auto, a business in the 900 block of West 10th Street.

Officers executed a search warrant after he opened the package. In addition to the fentanyl, SEACAD agents said they seized other drugs, including 10.12 grams of heroin, 8.2 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 4.89 grams of methamphetamine, and another 0.66 grams of fentanyl in a separate package. A digital scale was also found.

Riley was arrested and taken to Lemon Creek Correctional Center on federal charges of Attempted Possession with Intent to Deliver and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.

The seized narcotics have an estimated combined street value of about $111,000, SEACAD said.

SEACAD, Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs, is a regional task force comprised of municipal police departments from Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Skagway, Petersburg, Hoonah, Wrangell, Craig, and Yakutat, the Alaska State Troopers, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Coast Guard Investigative Service. Together, they work to investigate drug importation and distribution in the Southeast Alaska region.

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State declines to charge former Juneau police officer in July use-of-force incident

According to the proposed ordinance, when an officer-involved shooting occurs that causes death or serious injury to an officer or someone else, Juneau Police Department would release body-worn camera footage no later than 30 days after the incident. (Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)
According to the proposed ordinance, when an officer-involved shooting occurs that causes death or serious injury to an officer or someone else, Juneau Police Department would release body-worn camera footage no later than 30 days after the incident. (Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)
According to the proposed ordinance, when an officer-involved shooting occurs that causes death or serious injury to an officer or someone else, Juneau Police Department would release body-worn camera footage no later than 30 days after the incident. (Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)
(Photo courtesy City & Borough of Juneau website)

NOTN- The Alaska Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions will not file criminal charges against former Juneau Police Officer Brandon LeBlanc for his use of force during a July 30 arrest that left a man unconscious and later medevaced out of Juneau for his injuries.

The decision follows a review of an Alaska State Troopers investigation into the incident, in which Officer LeBlanc took Christopher Williams Jr. to the ground during an arrest.

Williams struck his head on the pavement, was knocked unconscious, and was later medevaced to Anchorage for treatment.

Special Assistant Attorney General reviewed body camera footage, civilian video, officer interviews, and other evidence, and in a Statement from the office of Special Prosecutions, concluded that prosecutors could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that LeBlanc’s use of force was unjustified under Alaska law.

While acknowledging that Williams was seriously injured, the Office of Special Prosecutions determined that LeBlanc’s actions did not constitute deadly force and that the takedown maneuver used was considered a “nondeadly control tactic in law enforcement”, The state found LeBlanc believed he needed to gain control of Williams, who according to the statement, appeared intoxicated and was actively resisting being handcuffed.

The report noted that although LeBlanc’s comments during the incident including a threat to “slam” Williams and a remark after the takedown, raised questions about his motivations, the totality of circumstances did not meet the legal threshold for criminal charges.

The letter also criticized the City and Borough of Juneau’s decision to publicly release body camera and in-car video footage of the incident before the investigation was complete, saying the release occurred “over the explicit objection” of both the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Law. Prosecutors warned that such releases could jeopardize future cases by affecting jury impartiality.

The Office of Special Prosecutions said its review was limited to whether LeBlanc’s actions violated criminal law and did not address possible policy or disciplinary issues within the Juneau Police Department.

The State’s letter concluded:

“The State will not file criminal charges against JPD Officer Brandon LeBlanc relating to the July 30, 2025, use of nondeadly force against Christopher Williams Jr. in Juneau, Alaska.”

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City and Borough of Juneau Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage from July 30 Arrest Incident; Probationary Officer Resigned

This is a copy of an information release by the City and Borough of Juneau

Today, the City and Borough of Juneau released body-worn camera footage and related materials from the July 30, 2025 incident in which a Juneau Police Department (JPD) officer used force during an arrest that resulted in a serious head injury to the arrested individual.  The officer, who was in his probationary period, resigned on August 28, 2025.

This release is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability and in accordance with CBJ Code (Ordinance 2025-05(c)(am)). In addition to the body-worn video, the City has published dashboard camera footage and applicable JPD policies. All materials are available online at bit.ly/jpd-incident-july30.
City Manager Katie Koester stated, “This has been a painful event for our community. The officer’s resignation reflects the seriousness of what occurred, and our obligation to uphold the standards of conduct our community expects. Accountability means not only reviewing the facts but acting on them. I want to be clear: the Juneau Police Department is full of good and hardworking people who serve with professionalism, empathy and integrity. One incident does not define the department. We’re committed to using this moment to strengthen relationships and to listen and learn from all impacted voices.”

She added, “Chief Bos has been in contact with the family of the individual who was injured, and we are keeping them in our thoughts. Out of respect for their privacy, we will defer any questions regarding his condition or legal matters to the family.”

The officer was placed on administrative leave following the incident. JPD immediately requested an investigation of the incident by an independent third party. That investigation is ongoing.

JPD Chief of Police Derek Bos stated, “What happened on July 30 was not consistent with department policy, values or the conduct we expect from our officers. As Chief, I take responsibility for ensuring our department earns and maintains the public’s trust. We have already begun reviewing JPD directives, implementing policy clarifications as well as additional training focused on de-escalation, proportionality in use-of-force, and medical response protocols.”

As part of the City’s commitment to long-term healing and improved relationships, the Juneau Police Department will also participate in cultural sensitivity training. This training is designed to deepen officers’ understanding of Indigenous history, values, and lived experiences in Juneau, and to reinforce the department’s role as a respectful and responsive community partner.

“This training is not a checkbox. It’s a step toward meaningful connection,” said City Manager Katie Koester.
In addition, Tlingit & Haida has offered to co-host a community dialogue with the City to create space for open and respectful conversations about the community’s relationship with law enforcement. The event will be designed to elevate voices, share perspectives, and chart a path forward rooted in trust, accountability, and shared values.

“We need to approach the dialogue in a thoughtful manner and recognize that it will be difficult for many in our community who have experienced trauma. We’re grateful to Tlingit & Haida for their leadership and willingness to engage with us on this important work,” said Manager Koester. Details about the training and dialogue event will be shared in the coming weeks.

All referenced videos and materials are accessible at: bit.ly/jpd-incident-july30.

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Body-worn camera footage of arrest that left man hospitalized will become available today

NOTN- Body Camera footage of the July 30 use-of-force arrest that left a man hospitalized will become available today.

The incident began after police responded to reports of a disturbance outside the Douglas Library, where a woman allegedly threw water in a man’s face while making racial remarks. Officers said when they attempted to arrest her, she asked Williams to intervene and it led to a confrontation. Police say he resisted arrest before being forced to the ground.

49-year-old Chris Williams, Jr. was medevaced to Anchorage after his arrest.

Awareness of the incident has grown since video of the arrest surfaced online and sparked a protest, the witness video prompted both city and tribal leaders to weigh in.

Officer Brandon LeBlanc is a 17-year law enforcement veteran hired by the Juneau Police Department in August 2024 after serving in Louisiana.

The department said an outside law enforcement agency is leading the investigation into the use-of force incident, which remains ongoing.

When it concludes, the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions will review the case to determine whether the force used was consistent with state law.

LeBlanc is on administrative leave during the investigation. In line with city code, body-worn camera footage from the incident will be released today on the department’s website.

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Body worn camera footage from JPD use-of- force incident available Aug. 29

Photo’s from a protest held Aug. 2nd, following the arrest of Chris Williams Jr.

NOTN- Authorities have officially released the name of the officer involved in the July 30 use-of-force incident, where a Juneau Police Department officer arrested 49-year-old Chris Williams, Jr.

Williams was medevaced to Anchorage after being taken to the ground.

Awareness of the incident online, including a video posted to social media as well as a protest, has meant that many individuals already knew the name of the officer involved.

Officer Brandon LeBlanc is a 17-year law enforcement veteran hired by the Juneau Police Department in August 2024 after serving in Louisiana.

The department said an outside law enforcement agency is leading the investigation into the use-of force incident, which remains ongoing.

When it concludes, the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions will review the case to determine whether the force used was consistent with state law.

LeBlanc is on administrative leave during the investigation. In line with city code, body-worn camera footage from the incident will be released Aug. 29 on the department’s website.

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Protesters call for police reform after Juneau man injured in arrest

By: Greg Knight, News of the North

A peaceful protest was held Saturday outside Juneau Police Department headquarters, following the arrest last week of 49-year-old Chris Williams, Jr.

Williams was medevaced to Anchorage after being taken to the ground by JPD Officer Brandon LeBlanc outside the Douglas Library. Video posted on social media shows LeBlanc taking Williams down during what police say was an arrest after Williams allegedly approached officers aggressively.

Nearly 100 protesters peacefully called for accountability and systemic police reform.

Organizer Jamiann S’eiltin said the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against Indigenous people.

“This isn’t something new,” S’eiltin said. “This has been going on since almost time immemorial, since the arrival of Western European settlers. So, just want to put that out there that we are brutally attacked 10 times more than the national average, and that’s something to bring forward here today.”

LeBlanc is on administrative leave and an outside agency is conducting an investigation into the incident.

The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida, which confirmed Williams is a tribal citizen, is demanding transparency and a full inquiry.

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Federal indictments, multiple arrests made in Juneau drug trafficking case

Seven people have been indicted and arrested in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation that funneled methamphetamine into Juneau from California, following a months-long investigation by state and federal law enforcement agencies, according to a press release by the Juneau Police Department.

Beginning in October 2024, Task Force Officers from the Alaska State Troopers’ Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) and Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD), working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of Juneau.

The initial investigation began when task force members obtained evidence that showed that 41-year-old Juneau residents Patrick Iler, and 39-year-old Juneau resident Erika Porter were involved with the distributing methamphetamine throughout Juneau. 46-year-old Juneau resident Timothy Miller was identified as a distributor of methamphetamine working with Iler and Porter in Juneau.

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized a combined 1.32 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $130,000.

Investigators traced one of the drug sources to Highland, California. In May 2025, Alaska-based task force officers traveled to California and arrested 67-year-old Kinarla Miles, who is accused of supplying methamphetamine to the Juneau network.

Three other Juneau residents, 51-year-old Jerome Larue, 38-year-old Travis Lind, and 60-year-old Edie Seslar, were also arrested as co-conspirators.

Authorities estimate the drug ring distributed approximately 7 kilograms of methamphetamine in total, with an approximate street value of $700,000.

In May 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage indicted Miles, Larue, Lind, and Seslar on charges of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

In July 2025, additional indictments were filed against Miller, Porter, and Iler for drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Porter and Miller were arrested in Juneau on July 23 and 24 and booked into Lemon Creek Correctional Center on federal warrants.

The investigation is ongoing and involves coordination between the Alaska State Troopers, USPIS, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage.

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