KPD Releases Information About the Investigator on the Pletnikoff Case

Kayla Desroches/KMXT

The Kodiak Police Department issued a press release Tuesday afternoon which it wrote was prompted by questions it received from the Kodiak Daily Mirror in November. The press release provided further background information on the investigator the KPD hired to examine the case of Nick Pletnikoff, a young autistic man who was pepper sprayed during an encounter with police officers almost three months ago.

The press release details the experience of the investigator, Greg Russell, and describes Russell’s existing professional relationship with a KPD employee prior to the beginning of the investigation. According to the release, KPD Lieutenant Ray Ellis conducted background checks for Russell on police officer candidates located off-island. The city has removed Ellis from any contact with the investigation in order to avoid the appearance of “impropriety,” although the press release says Russell claims no conflict of interest and Ellis was the officer in charge of KPD on the day of the incident involving Pletnikoff, not a responding officer.

The press release also says the city expects Russell to complete the investigation in the next few weeks.