A man fatally shot and killed himself during a DUI arrest in the Owyhee County. The unusual incident has prompted investigation by multiple agencies in order to determine the exact facts of the case.
According to the details available so far, the man who committed suicide was traveling on the Highway 51 in a mid-sized RV. Police were tipped by the witnesses that he was recklessly driving the vehicle. Just as the vehicle reached close to the Duck Valley Reservation area, the vehicle was stopped by a Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs agent.
The agent didn’t have sufficient powers in the matter as the suspected DUI event had occurred on a state highway. Furthermore, the man wasn’t a native Indian, so the agent couldn’t investigate the DUI charge. So the agent made contact with the Idaho State Police. Following this, a trooper with ISP reached the vehicle.
The trooper then conducted field sobriety tests which the suspected DUI driver failed. Upon a search of the vehicle, the trooper also found other incriminating evidence that confirmed DUI suspicions.He was placed under arrest.
Before the man could be taken to the jail, however, he mentioned that he had a dog in the car and wanted to care for it. As he entered the vehicle, he retrieved a handgun and shot himself. The shot was fatal and the driver was pronounced dead at around 1:30 p.m. The trooper didn’t fire any shots during the incident and remained safe from any injuries. The federal agent also remained safe and sound.
Following the incident, Idaho State Police has launched an internal investigation to ensure there was no foul play involved. The trooper who was present at the time of the arrest has been placed on administrative leave. Canyon County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are assisting ISP in investigating the matter. Contact our Boise DUI attorneys if you have any questions or concerns.
Source: https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/police-man-fatally-shoots-self-during-dui-arrest-in-owyhee-county/article_009da894-1c0c-5810-bdb6-3b85a95ed041.html