Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

UPDATE 7/12: The SWAT Team members who discharged their firearms during the officer-involved shooting on July 9th are identified as: 

Sergeant Matthew Sidders, a fourteen-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers 

Sergeant David Burtch, an 11-year veteran of the Wasilla Police Department 

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing their thorough investigation into the incident. Once their investigation is complete it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions. 

Original: On July 9, 2026, at 8:07 pm, the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and members of the Alaska State Troopers’ SWAT Team located 58-year-old Wasilla resident Philip Phillips on a boat, at anchor in the Whittier area. Phillips had a no bail arrest warrant issued after failure to appear for trial, a trial in which he was found guilty of one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the 1st Degree, one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the 2nd Degree, and one count of Harassment. When contacted, Phillips was armed with a handgun and refused to participate in negotiations for his surrender.  As a result, less lethal tools and chemical agents were used, but Phillips still refused to cooperate and donned ballistic body armor and retrieved a gas mask when the chemical agents were introduced. While attempting to negotiate his surrender, Phillips brandished his firearm in the direction of the officers and was subsequently shot by members of SWAT. 
  
Phillips was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. His next of kin have been notified. No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident. 
  
The members involved in the shooting have been placed on seven days of administrative leave, in accordance with Department of Public Safety policy. Their names will be released in 72 hours. 
  
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has responded and initiated an investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, the investigation will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.