Police officer released after shooting murder suspect in Eek

EEK, Alaska (KTUU) – The state has acquitted an officer who shot at, but did not hit, a man who authorities say is responsible for the attack and killing of his girlfriend earlier this year in Western Alaska.

The Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) has completed its investigation into the officer-involved shooting on August 8 in the town of Eek.

According to OSP, Alaska State Trooper Luke Kumfer was legally authorized to use deadly force against 41-year-old Nick Beebe while the trooper’s Southcentral SWAT team was activated to arrest Beebe.

During a standoff, Beebe and his girlfriend – 38-year-old Lorna White – were inside their home because Beebe refused to obey the officer’s commands, according to police.

Kumfer fired his gun at Beebe from outside the house, but did not hit Beebe.

After officers finally managed to enter the home, White was found dead, presumably from blunt force trauma, according to police.

Beebe faces charges including murder, assault and misconduct with a weapon for causing her death, cops said.

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