Tragic Incident in Fairbanks, Alaska: Man Dies After Confrontation with Police

Fairbanks, Alaska (KINY) – In a tragic incident that unfolded on Thursday, Dec. 28, at around 11:15 pm, Fairbanks Police Officers swiftly responded to a distress call regarding a domestic dispute at 1910 Turner Street. The caller reported that a male individual, later identified as 30-year-old Timothy Mcardle Jr., had not only threatened his father with a knife but was also causing extensive damage to the residence.

Upon reaching the scene, law enforcement officers were greeted by a scene of chaos, with multiple broken windows and various items strewn across the parking lot by Mcardle Jr.

It was confirmed that the father had managed to escape the apartment after Mcardle Jr.’s arrival. According to the father’s statement, Mcardle Jr. was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of methamphetamine and had brandished a knife, instilling fear in his father’s heart.

Based on the information gathered, the officers had reasonable grounds to take Mcardle Jr. into custody on charges of Felony Assault in the 3rd Degree – Domestic Violence.

Despite numerous attempts to establish communication and peacefully resolve the situation, Mcardle Jr. adamantly refused to engage with the officers, instead opting to continue his destructive rampage within the apartment.

In an effort to incapacitate Mcardle Jr., the officers resorted to deploying a taser. However, their efforts were in vain as the probes failed to make contact with the suspect.

Consequently, the officers had no choice but to employ soft hand techniques, an approach characterized by the Fairbanks Police Department’s press release as a restrained level of physical force utilizing bare hands to seize, control, and restrain the suspect, minimizing the risk of injury.

Mcardle Jr. fiercely resisted the officers for approximately two and a half minutes before succumbing to unconsciousness.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the officers promptly initiated CPR and requested immediate medical assistance.

Fortunately, the Fairbanks Fire Department (FFD) had already stationed medics nearby due to concerns that Mcardle Jr. might have started a fire within the complex.

Within minutes, FFD medics arrived at the scene to administer critical care to Mcardle Jr., but despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An in-depth investigation into this tragic incident is currently underway, with the Office of Special Prosecutions closely consulted throughout the process.

All officers involved in the incident were equipped with body-worn cameras, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the events that transpired.

The investigation encompasses a meticulous review of all body-worn camera footage, in addition to interviews conducted with the officers and witnesses present.

An autopsy has already been conducted, but the cause of Mcardle Jr.’s death will only be disclosed upon receipt of the toxicology test results and the final Medical Examiner’s report.

Further updates regarding this tragic incident will be provided to the public as soon as they become available.