Anchorage Daily News

ALAKANUK -- An Alakanuk man accused of shooting a 14-year-old girl in the head barricaded himself in a home and booby-trapped the front door with a gun, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Paul Morris Phillip Jr., 36, was taken into custody and jailed at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center, troopers said.

The girl, who was not named, survived the gunshot and was medevacked to Bethel for treatment, troopers said.

Troopers got the call at about 5 a.m. Sunday and headed to the scene from Emmonak on a boat. After trying unsuccessfully to get Phillip to leave the house, they entered and took him into custody, troopers said. He was reportedly intoxicated.

Minutes later, they discovered the rigged weapon positioned to fire when the front door opened, troopers said. The weapon, however, did not fire when they entered.

Phillip was arrested on charges of first-degree assault and misconduct involving weapons, troopers said. More charges will likely be filed after a review of the case by the district attorney.

Phillip's 4-year-old son, who was in the home at the time of the assault, was not injured, troopers said. He was delivered to his mother's custody.

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