Suspect Killed by Idaho Deputies After Brandishing Firearm

Authorities in southeastern Idaho are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on April 4, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of three people and left two others injured.

The incident began at approximately 2:38 p.m. On April 4, when dispatchers received reports of a shooting on Tank Farm Road in northern Power County. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered two individuals deceased and one person injured. The injured individual was transported to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello for treatment.

Manhunt and Officer-Involved Shooting

Following the initial discovery, law enforcement agencies from multiple local jurisdictions launched an intense search for the suspect, who had fled the scene on foot. The response included the use of drones, helicopters, and SWAT officers in armored vehicles.

A few hours after the initial reports, sheriff’s deputies located the suspect hiding near the Portneuf River. During this encounter, the suspect began shooting, and a person in a boat on the river was struck by gunfire. This second victim was flown to a hospital.

According to the Power County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect. The encounter ended when the man brandished a firearm, prompting deputies to respond with deadly force. The suspect died at the scene.

Victim Status and Investigation

The names of the victims and the suspect have not been released pending notification of the next of kin. As of April 5, 2026, the victim from the original shooting remains in stable condition, and the individual struck in the boat has been discharged from the hospital.

The investigation is being handled by several agencies with divided responsibilities:

• The Idaho State Police, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and Bannock County Sheriff’s Office are leading the homicide investigation into the original shooting.
• The Idaho Falls Police Department is the lead agency for the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Power County Sheriff Kasey Kendall stated on April 4 that authorities worked to ensure no further harm came to our community and expressed gratitude for the quick response of deputies and regional partners.

The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force processed the scene on April 5, and Tank Farm Road has since been reopened to traffic.