Idaho State Police Involved in Fatal Shooting During High-Speed Pursuit Near Mountain Home

Idaho State Police troopers were involved in a police shooting early Monday near Mountain Home that left a man dead.

Just after midnight, a trooper near milepost 172 on Interstate 84 in Jerome County saw a Honda Accord traveling westbound toward Boise at a “high rate of speed,” according to Idaho State Police. Another trooper saw the same vehicle and attempted to pull it over, according to a news release, but when the driver didn’t stop, both troopers pursued him. Police said the driver was speeding and driving “recklessly.” Following several attempted spike-strip stops, troopers were able to deploy the strips and stop the Honda near milepost 98 in Elmore County, according to the release. Police said they attempted to arrest the man and gave him verbal commands, but “shots were fired” and the driver was hit. The news release did not say whether the driver was found to have a weapon. No one else was injured. The Elmore County Coroner’s Office will identify the man and release his cause and manner of death, the release said. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting.

Ongoing Investigation

As the Elmore County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the shooting, this incident underscores the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face during high-speed pursuits. The use of spike strips, while effective, also poses risks to the safety of all parties involved. The outcome of this incident serves as a somber reminder of the volatile nature of police operations and the potential for tragic outcomes.