Investigators released more information pertaining to the officer shooting in Buckland that occurred last week. Expanded charged were leveled at the Buckland man who shot Officer Lorin Geary during the early morning hours of Friday.

After investigations by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, Alaska State Troopers, the Western Alaska Alcohol/Narcotics Team Investigators, detailed charges have been leveled at the shooter, Gary Ballot of Buckland. He has been charged with Attempted Murder on a VPO I, Assault I, Assault III x5, Felony Alcohol Importation, Misdeameanor Acohol Importation x2, Misconduct Involving Weapons IV, and Resisting Arrest.

It was during the early morning hours of Friday that VPO Geary responded to the beach to contact Ballot as he came ashore with a suspected cargo of alcohol that he was bringing into the Local Option village.

After Ballot made landfall and got out of the boat, Geary made contact with Ballot and Geary was shot by Ballot.

Local individuals nearby, hearing the confrontation, responded, relieved Ballot of his weapon and took him into custody. Ballot was later transported to Kotzebue by responding troopers and other investigators. He complained of injuries sustained during his arrest. Ballot was treated and cleared of any injuries later at the Maniilaq Medical Center.

The anonymous tip that led to the incident resulted in the seizure of 7.5 liters of hard liquor, 18.825 gallons of malt beverage, and 5.25 liters of wine. Pursuent to a search warrant, Ballot’s skiff, trailer and four-wheeler were also seized by authorities.

On Saturday Ballot’s bail was set at $250,000 and a court approved third party custodian after he appeared for arraignment in Kotzebue court. Ballot is currently being housed at the Kotzebue Regional Jail.

Officer Geary was medvaced to Anchorage where he unwent surgery and is recovering.

Buckland, known as Nunatchiaq in Inupiaq, with its population of approximately 416 residents, sits on the west bank of the Buckland River 75 miles southeast of Kotzebue.