Investigation into officer-involved shooting reveals detective was hit by car
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POCATELLO — A pair of suspects did not shoot at Idaho State Police before they were fired upon by officers.
Rocco Chacon Jr. and Shaylee Williamson led Idaho State Police on a car chase on March 27. During the chase officers opened fire on the vehicle and one of the bullets struck Williamson.
On Friday, a news conference was held by Idaho State Police, the Pocetello Police Department, and Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office to update the public on the officer-involved shooting.
Local authorities say the shooting was precipitated after the vehicle being driven by Chacon struck an officer during his attempt to flee.
Pocatello Police Investigations Captain Roger Schei recounted some of the events that occurred that day. The Pocatello Police Department was the investigating agency for the incident. Schei said initially officers responded to intersection of Olympus Drive and Golden Gate Street.
“We were informed that Idaho State Police detectives were conducting an investigation,” Schei said at the news conference. “During that investigation they observed Rocco Chacon, 24, driving a white Honda.”
Schei went on to say the detectives knew of warrants for Chacon’s arrest and his history of fleeing from police. Knowing that information, Schei said the detectives used their vehicles to box in the white Honda driven by Chacon.
“They conducted a high-risk stop,” Schei said. “Chacon revved his engine, accelerated and took off very quickly. While doing that he struck an ISP detective.”
During the news conference, Schei said the ISP detectives verbally identified themselves as police officers at the time of the stop, in addition, the detectives were wearing bulletproof vests that said “Idaho State Police” on them.
Schei said at that point three ISP detectives fired at Chacon’s vehicle. “A pursuit then began and involved six ISP detectives,” he said.
The pursuit ended on Pocatello Creek Road where Chacon fled on foot, but was later apprehended by ISP detectives.
Williamson, 21, of Pocatello, was a passenger in a vehicle and “suffered injuries from the gunfire.” Her injuries and the condition of the detective who was struck have not been released.
Both were transported by ground ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center after the pursuit. Williamson remains hospitalized as of Friday. Chacon has been released and booked into the Bannock County Jail.
Schei said that once the Pocatello Police complete their investigation, the findings will be turned over to the Bannock County Prosecutor’s office.
Prosecutor Stephen Herzog said when the reports are completed, his office will review them in regards to criminal charges against the two suspects within the vehicle. “Those same reports will be sent to another prosecutor, maybe the Twin Falls Prosecutor to review the officer-involved shooting,” Herzog said.
Idaho State Police patrol and investigations Capt. Eric Dayley said ISP requested Pocatello Police conduct the criminal investigation. “Following the completion of their investigation, the Idaho State Police will conduct an internal investigation,” Dayley said. “The administrative review will be to determine whether the detectives acted in or outside of policy and to see of there are any trainings corrections that need to be made.”
Dayley said that investigation will not started until reports are received from the Pocatello Police.