A shooting incident at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace, Idaho, unfolded on Friday afternoon, leaving three individuals injured and the shooter dead. The local sheriff confirmed that the suspect opened fire with multiple firearms both outside and inside the sheriff’s office.
Incident Overview
At approximately 2:40 p.m. PT, the shooter targeted a pickup truck outside the sheriff’s office before entering the lobby and firing shots toward the dispatch center. The Shoshone County Sheriff, William Eddy, reported the events during a news conference.
Injuries and Response
- Three people sustained minor injuries in the shooting.
- Two women in the pickup were shot in the leg.
- A law enforcement officer suffered a gunshot wound to the ear.
A huge law enforcement response was mobilized, including a SWAT team and several agencies. The situation escalated, leading to an officer-involved shooting, with the suspect pronounced dead at 4:15 p.m.
Investigation Details
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris mentioned that the shooter may have accessed the jail, prompting an urgent response. Fortunately, no individuals in the jail were injured, and the incident was confined to the lobby area of the sheriff’s office. At least eight law enforcement agencies assisted in managing the crisis.
Ongoing Investigations
The criminal investigation will be led by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. Meanwhile, the Idaho State Police will look into the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
Community Reactions
Residents expressed shock at the violent altercation in their small town. Julie Swindell-Ward, a local resident who witnessed part of the incident, recounted hearing gunfire while she was in a grocery store across the street. She described it as unexpected for a quiet Friday in Wallace, Idaho, which is located about 70 miles east of Spokane, Washington.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the shooter’s motive and background. Further details will be made available as they arise.
