Alaska News

Kodiak radio station sues city to release police records in pepper-spraying of autistic man

KODIAK — A Kodiak public radio station has sued the city, seeking the release of public documents stemming from a police case in which officers used pepper spray on an autistic man checking his mailbox.

In the lawsuit, Kodiak Public Broadcasting Co., the licensee of KMXT, is seeking the release of documents in the case, including all audio and visual recordings, after the lawsuit claims three officers detained, handcuffed and pepper-sprayed the man.

Police have not released information about the incident, including what prompted it. The man was not arrested or charged.

The city cited its own investigation and privacy issues in refusing to identify the officers when denying a public records request submitted by the radio station.

City officials didn't immediately offer comment to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

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