Wrong-way chase on I-15 near Shelley ends in 2 deaths
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The following is a news release from the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.
SHELLEY – This is a preliminary public release of information regarding an incident resulting in two fatalities in the Shelley area. All information contained is preliminary, shared in a good faith effort of transparency to our public, and subject to be updated.
On Saturday around 11 p.m., members of the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Joint Investigation Division were in the area of a residence on 1250 N West of Shelley in regards to a law enforcement sighting of a man with a confirmed felony warrant.
While announcing from outside the residence, the suspect fled in a vehicle around the residence and then westbound on 1250 North towards Interstate 15. The suspect vehicle was driving into the oncoming lane of travel with no lights on. He then turned Southbound onto I-15 in the northbound lanes and continued to flee at high speeds while driving toward oncoming traffic. Law Enforcement tried to get in position to deploy spike strips to slow the vehicle.
A Bingham County deputy intervened by performing a pursuit immobilization technique (PIT). The suspect vehicle then left the road and rolled, resulting in both the suspect driver and an adult female passenger being ejected.
The male suspect died on scene and the woman was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center via Shelley Ambulance, where she also died.
The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force was requested to respond and ultimately provide an independent investigation. Idaho State Police District 6 was designated as the Lead Agency, with representation from various other agencies also assisting with manpower and resources.
Law enforcement is not releasing the suspect’s name at this time. We respectfully yield to the Coroner’s Office to determine the appropriate time and manner for the release of the names involved.
We respect that window of time prior to the release as added privacy for family having been notified of tragedy just hours ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
We thankfully report there were no injuries to the public or law enforcement.