Shelley man killed in stand off with law enforcement

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a news release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office

BLACKFOOT — A Shelley man was killed after shooting at law enforcement.

On February 14, 2021, at about 2:30 a.m. Bingham County dispatch received a call that someone was in an abandoned house on Rose road at about 800 North off of 150 West, southwest of Firth. When deputies arrived they made contact with a 51-year-old male, identified as Bruce Diehl from Shelley, Idaho. Diehl has a history of dealing with the police in Bonneville. At the abandoned house in Rose, Diehl warned the deputies at the scene that if they came into the house that they “would leave in a body bag.â€

At 4:10 a.m. the STAR team was called out to the residence. Deputies deployed an armored vehicle to breach the door, Diehl fired several times at the vehicle. Additionally, Diehl began firing at a patrol car.

Bingham County Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeff Gardner explained that the STAR team is essentially a SWAT team but comprised of individuals from multiple law enforcement agencies throughout southeastern Idaho. When an agency is in need of specialized support due to a dangerous situation, they are able to call on the STAR team

After Diehl began firing, the Bonneville County SWAT team was called in to assist. Bonneville County SWAT responded and covered one side of the house as the STAR team covered the opposite side. The STAR team deployed gas into the house several times, however, Diehl did not exit the house. Instead, Diehl began firing shots at the STAR team members that deployed the gas.

Around 12 p.m., Diehl was shot by a SWAT team member. Deputies then breached the house and began life-saving measures upon Diehl. At 12:40 Diehl was pronounced dead at Bingham Memorial Hospital.