Pursuit of kidnapping suspect leads to shots being fired
BLACKFOOT: A 36-year-old Idaho Falls man, suspected of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and eluding law enforcement, was shot and killed by law enforcement after a short pursuit south of Blackfoot on the onramp to I-15 South from U.S. Highway 91.
At about 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, Blackfoot Police Department located a vehicle associated with a wanted 36-year-old Idaho Falls man for eluding law enforcement, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. As officers approached the hotel, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, according to an Idaho State Police press release.
“Law enforcement from Blackfoot Police, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and Fort Hall Police pursued the vehicle until it crashed on the ramp connecting U.S. 91 and southbound Interstate 15. As law enforcement approached the suspect, multiple shots were fired, and the 36-year-old suspect was struck. Although he was provided emergency medical aid, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the hospital,” the release said. “Two passengers were also in the vehicle that crashed and sustained what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. Both were transported by ambulance to local area hospitals. There is no medical update on the passengers. U.S. 91 and the onramp from U.S. 91 to Interstate 15 was closed for several hours while law enforcement investigated the scene.”
The Idaho State Police (ISP) is leading a Critical Incident Task Force (CITF) investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
“As there is an ongoing investigation, no additional information can be released about the incident. The names and ranks of law enforcement involved will not be released at this time,” the release said.
CITF is a team of investigators and professional staff from the Idaho State Police and local law enforcement agencies who provide investigative and other assistance to law enforcement agencies in police use of force and other critical incidents. The CITF works with the local Prosecutor’s Office, which reviews completed investigations.
