Additional information has emerged regarding the fatal shooting of 24-year-old James V. Afuvai, who an officer shot during the Anchorage Mountain View Shooting on September 29. Afuvai allegedly lunged toward the responding officer, Sgt. James Dokken, brandishing a 14-inch knife before Dokken fired and killed him. According to the police, Afuvai allegedly made three muddled 911 calls, initially claiming that someone was in danger while refusing to provide additional details. After the call, Afuvai provided police with a false identity when reporting gunfire in his area to dispatch.
Afuvai identified himself as the victim and requested updates on the last call; he also said that someone had threatened him with a knife. Despite the officer’s advice to put some space between him and the potential danger, Afuvai would have none of it. Dokken came on the scene and spotted Afuvai, brandishing the knife, coming from half a block away. Dokken started to retreat while giving orders, but Afuvai kept charging forward. The officer fatally shot Afuvai in the upper torso as he raced at Dokken with his firearm.
Authorities confirmed that no additional bystanders were injured during the brief altercation, which lasted approximately 15 seconds. Police reinforcements showed up, and they immediately began shielding bystanders. This incident was the eighth deadly shooting involving an officer in Anchorage in 2024.
Making note that her brother had a schizophrenia diagnosis but had never acted violently, Afuvai’s sister Makerita expressed bewilderment and sadness at the occurrence. Afuvai seemed well and left the senior living home without his shirt, according to family members who last saw him just before the meeting. They believe he might have been in a sticky situation and are still trying to determine what happened.
This news story was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
