Body cam video of fatal Tudor Road police shooting delayed for release

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Anchorage police are currently withholding body-worn camera footage related to a police shooting that occurred last month, resulting in the death of a man identified as 33-year-old Francis Rochon. The incident took place on February 4 when officers received reports of Rochon wandering in traffic on Tudor Road while allegedly brandishing a gun and pointing it at vehicles.

According to police, Rochon did not comply with officers' commands, which led to the officer-involved shooting at close range by Officer Isaac Kimball. In light of the ongoing investigation by the Office of Special Prosecutions, the police department announced a delay in the release of the body cam footage, even though they typically aim to make it available within 45 days of any officer-involved shooting.

Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case noted that while there is a standard protocol for releasing footage, delays can occur to protect the safety of involved individuals, ensure the integrity of the investigation, and uphold the constitutional rights of the accused. This case has garnered attention, particularly regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

Rochon's family provided additional context, revealing that he had been staying with relatives for a month while waiting for employment on the North Slope. His sister disclosed that the gun involved in the incident had been retrieved by Rochon just hours before the confrontation with police, having been previously confiscated after a DUI arrest.

The family indicated that Rochon was intending to sell the gun to help provide for them, as the case had recently been dropped, allowing him to reclaim his property from the police department. This tragic incident continues to raise questions and concerns in the Anchorage community as the investigation proceeds.