Authorities remain silent about fatal shooting incident - East Idaho News
Idaho Falls

Authorities remain silent about fatal shooting incident

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IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are not releasing any new details about the fatal shooting near Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center on Friday.

David Alma “Al” Giles of St. Anthony died while in the care of law enforcement after what IFPD spokeswoman Joelyn Hansen called “an altercation” near an EIRMC parking lot.

Police have not released any details about who fired the shots or how the incident occurred.

On Friday, Hansen said in a news release that Giles, 60, was with a Jefferson County deputy whose name hasn’t been released. The deputy had responded to a 911 call about a medical issue along U.S. Highway 20 early that morning.

The deputy arrived at the roadway entrance to an EIRMC parking lot with Giles just before 7 a.m. That’s when the news release shows the altercation occurred, which resulted in the death of Giles.

EIRMC officials told EastIdahoNews.com on Friday, that the incident did not occur on hospital property and that they were not involved in the investigation.

On Monday, Hansen declined to release any new information.

Jefferson County sheriff’s spokesman Sam Tower also declined to release any details.

EastIdahoNews.com reached out to several of Giles’ family members. They declined to comment, at the behest of local authorities, until the investigation is complete.

The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is investigating the case.

Funeral services for Giles are scheduled for noon Thursday, March 24 at the St. Anthony Stake Center (247 East 400 North) with Bishop Orme officiating, according to Giles’ obituary. The family will visit with friends Wednesday, March 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. prior to services at the St. Anthony Stake Center.

Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery, and services will be provided by Bert Flamm Mortuary.

A benefit memorial fund has been set up in Giles’ name. Donors can go to any Wells Fargo to donate. The account is under “David Alma Giles Benefit Memorial Fund.”

CLARIFICATION: A previous version of this article stated David “Al” Giles was in the “custody of law enforcement.” While the term is technically correct per Idaho Code (66-326) to describe a medical assist by peace officers, it can carry an unintended implication that an individual had been arrested or detained.

There is no evidence to suggest Giles had been arrested or was in any legal trouble. The only information available suggests authorities were with Giles to assist with a medical issue. To avoid any incorrect implications we have substituted the term custody for “in the care of law enforcement.”

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