Alaska State Troopers on Tuesday identified the troopers involved in a fatal shooting last Saturday of a Nikolaevsk man.
In a press release, troopers said Sgt. Daniel Cox fired his service weapon at Nikolai Yakunin, 42, after troopers said Yakunin attacked and severely injured Trooper Luke Kumfer. Yakunin died of his injuries at the scene. Kumfer had gone to Yakunin’s house in response to a report that Yakunin was in contact with a woman in violation of a judge’s sentencing order that Yakunin not be near her. Yakunin had pled guilty to fourth-degree assault.
The attack injured Kumfer enough he had to be taken to South Peninsula Hospital that night. Troopers said Kumfer has been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries.
The incident began at about 2:20 p.m. March 24 when troopers received a call that Yakunin was in contact with the woman. In an August 2017 sentence for a fourth-degree assault conviction, Superior Court Judge Charles Huguelet ordered Yakunin not to contact the woman, Yakunin’s girlfriend. At about 7:40 p.m., Kumfer went to Yakunin’s home. Trooper spokesperson Tim DeSpain did not comment on why it took troopers more than five hours to respond.
For the rest of this story, visit the Homer News.
Sgt. Daniel Cox attends Kenai Peninsula Youth Court swearing-in ceremonies in December 2016 at the Homer Courthouse. (Photo by Michael Armstrong, Homer News)
Sgt. Daniel Cox attends Kenai Peninsula Youth Court swearing-in ceremonies in December 2016 at the Homer Courthouse. (Photo by Michael Armstrong, Homer News)
Sgt. Daniel Cox congratulates a Kenai Peninsula Youth Court attorney at swearing-in ceremonies at the Homer Courthouse in December 2016. (Photo by Michael Armstrong, Homer News)
Sgt. Daniel Cox attends Kenai Peninsula Youth Court swearing-in ceremonies in December 2016 at the Homer Courthouse. (Photo by Michael Armstrong, Homer News)
