Lemhi County sheriff shoots rancher

An investigation is under way in Lemhi County after the sheriff shot a rancher Monday.

Around 11:30 a.m., Sheriff Lynn Bowerman and Chief Deputy Steve Penner responded to the Leadore area, regarding an ongoing problem with local rancher Blair Kauer, the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office said.

Bowerman and Penner saw Kauer on a back road. They tried to pull Kauer over, but he wouldn’t stop.

During this time Bowerman and Penner learned that Kauer had possibly threatened several individuals with a gun.

Kauer finally stopped at his home. Bowerman arrived moments later and saw him with a loaded 22-caliber rifle.

Kauer threatened Bowerman with the gun, and Bowerman fired one shot, hitting Kauer in the wrist area, said the sheriff’s office.

Kauer was taken to Steele Memorial Hospital, before being taken to another hospital for additional medical care. His injury is not considered life-threatening.

Neither Bowerman nor Penner were hurt.

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Kauer on felony charges of two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and felony eluding a peace officer.

The shooting is being investigated by the East Idaho Upper Valley Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team.