An independent investigation into a physical encounter between Kodiak police officers and an autistic man has determined that the three officers responded professionally.
The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the city hired Soldotna-based consultant Greg Russell to investigate the Sept. 16 incident involving the officers and Nick Pletnikoff. Russell’s report, acquired by the Kodiak newspaper on Monday, states that the officers acted within the scope of their authority and maintained a professional response.
Pletnikoff, who had been checking his family’s mailbox, was pepper sprayed and restrained after the officers responded to a report of a man breaking into a vehicle. Pletnikoff was not charged.
Russell has recommended the police department review its policies regarding the handling of mentally ill and developmentally disabled individuals.
