Local man arrested after New Year’s Eve shooting
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Police Department.
IDAHO FALLS — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred in Idaho Falls on New Year’s Eve.
At around 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, Idaho Falls Police officers and Idaho Falls Fire EMS responded to the 400 block of G Street for a report a man had been shot and was laying in the street.
The man was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center by Idaho Falls Fire ambulance.
Through investigation, officers were able to determine the victim and another man, later identified as 33-year-old Phillip Hobbs of Idaho Falls, were involved in a verbal altercation when Hobbs shot a handgun at the victim striking him in the abdomen.
Hobbs allegedly threatened another person with the handgun, then left the scene before police arrived. Officers were able to locate Hobbs a short time later in a residence nearby in the 400 block of F Street.
In an interview with investigators, police say Hobbs admitted to shooting the victim. Hobbs stated he thought the victim had a knife and he was acting in self-defense. No knife was found with the victim or in the area of the crime scene.
Hobbs was arrested for aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Streets in the area of the 400 blocks of F and G street were blocked for a time while Hobbs was located, and then for necessary investigation and crime scene documentation.
The victim was treated at EIRMC and later released from medical care.