Mayor Hints at Additional Investigations into Pletnikoff Encounter

Jay Barrett/KMXT

At Thursday’s Kodiak City Council meeting, Mayor Pat Branson read a statement in regards to the use of excessive force allegations against three Kodiak Police officers almost three months ago during a contact with Nick Pletnikoff, an autistic young Kodiak man. 

In Branson’s statement, for the first time, it was revealed there may be more than one investigation underway.

“As far as the September 16th incident that has happened, investigations are going on. We’re all aware of that. And investigations take time,” Branson said. “There’s more than one entity doing the investigation.”

An e-mail to Branson and City Manager Aimee Kniaziowski asking about the additional investigations went unanswered by Branson. Kniaziowski responded that the city had only one investigation ongoing, that being done at the request of the city by former Kotzebue Police Chief Greg Russell, now a consultant on the Kenai Peninsula. When pressed about other entities who may be conducting investigations, Kniaziowski referred the question to the city’s attorney.

At Thursday’s meeting, Branson responded to online comments from citizens speculating why it was taking the city so long to release information about the encounter, where the 28-year-old Pletnikoff was handcuffed and pepper sprayed while checking the family’s mail on Stellar Way.

“I want to assure you that there will be, and is, no cover-up by the city in this incident,” said Branson.

Branson said the city could have communicated with the public better, but maintained that the city is happy to answer citizens’ questions.

“I would encourage the public to ask questions no matter what the topic might be, at any time. The city is totally transparent,” Branson said. “And regardless of the findings of this case, we will assure the public of any wrongs to be corrected.”

The mayor and council then held an executive session to discuss with the city attorney the public records litigation facing the city over the Pletnikoff case. Invited were the manager, deputy manager, city clerk and police chief. No action was taken when the council reconvened in open session.