Mat-Su

Trooper who shot and killed man in Big Lake standoff identified

The Alaska state trooper who fatally shot a man during a Friday standoff in Big Lake is a 17-year veteran of the Department of Public Safety, troopers said Monday.

A brief online dispatch said Lt. James Helgoe, a member of the troopers' Special Emergency Reaction Team, shot 35-year-old Jean R. Valescot.

Troopers said in an online dispatch last week that Valescot had made threats starting around 3:30 p.m. Thursday that he would kill anyone who came to his home, prompting an hours-long standoff. Valescot's girlfriend escaped the residence but he remained inside with his 3-year-old son.

According to the trooper account, Helgoe fired at about 12:20 a.m. Friday, when Valescot walked to the front door with his son while carrying a firearm in each hand.

Valescot died at the scene. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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