Fairbanks Police credit a misfire by a woman's kidnapper with saving her life according to Fairbanks News Miner reporter Sam Friedman.

According to the report, the man, identified as 33-year-old Fairbanks resident Michael Terrance Williams, kidnapped a Fairbanks woman, who name has not been disclosed, and shot her boyfriend in the thigh in the process, as they were walking home after a date on Thursday. The unidentifed male victim was shot while trying to intervene when Williams stuck a gun in the woman’s face.

Williams then drug the woman to his truck which was parked in a wooded area, after which, at gunpoint, had her drive around south Fairbanks. At one point, Williams sexually assaulted the woman before ending up at the end of Peger Road. It was at that location, according to the report, that Williams attempted to shoot the woman but the firearm misfired. After clearing the weapon, Williams turned it on himself, delivering a fatal shot.

The woman aknowledged knowing Williams, while the male victim said that Williams was a former boyfriend of the woman.

The male victim was taken to Bassett Community Hospital. He is expected to survive his wounds.

The investigation is not expected to result in any criminal charges as the perpetrator is dead. The testimony of the male and female victims seems to coincide with the information gathered in the investigation.

Sam Friedman is a staff writer for the Fairbanks News Miner.