Prosecutor: Trooper’s actions justified in officer-involved shooting

Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel R. Clark has found Idaho State Trooper Andrew Francis’s conduct against Jesse Jesus Quinton during the officer-involved shooting on Nov. 2, 2018 to be justified.

“After reading the reports, conferring with the CITF investigators, reviewing evidence from the incident, and considering all relevant information, including the facts related above, I have concluded that there is no evidence to support a criminal charge against Trooper Francis for the shooting death of Quinton. The facts in this case reveal that Quinton made himself a clear and immediate danger to Trooper Francis who was engaged in the lawful performance of his duties. The actions of Trooper Francis, therefore, were justified under Idaho Codes 18-4009 (a), (c) & (d) and 18-4011 and do not form the basis of a criminal prosecution.”

Back in Nov., Francis was placed on administrative leave after shooting and killing Quinton.

According to reports, authorities initiated a traffic stop in the Northgate Mile and Lomax Street area. The initial stop was based upon an allegation of speeding, as well as the license plate on the 1998 Subaru Legacy “did not return” in that the plates on the vehicle did not show being registered to the vehicle.

Trooper Francis reported smelling an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked Quinton to step to the back of the vehicle so he could further investigate.

Reports say Quinton became “highly agitated and erratic.” He then fled on foot from Trooper Francis across the street toward Big O Tire, and he pursued him.

The pursuit ended with a physical altercation, in which Trooper Francis placed his gun to Quinton’s ribcage and fired one round.

Local law enforcement helped provide first aid, and Quinton was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation into the incident was delayed for two specific reasons in order to obtain key information pertinent to the investigation.

First to obtain the full toxicology report from Quinton and have those results analyzed by an expert to determine whether combination of drugs in Quinton’s system could/would result in the erratic and irrational behavior by Quinton.

The second reason, by Clark’s request, to ascertain the exact statements made during the encounter as the original audio recording became distorted the further the chase occurs away from Francis’s Vehicle. And so, the audio recording was enhanced to more clearly ascertain the statements made by both Francis and Quinton.

You can read Clark’s full report HERE.

ISP has released the following statement:

“The Idaho State Police are grateful for the Critical Incident Task Force’s investigation into this matter and we are gratified the prosecutor’s report makes it abundantly clear that the actions of Trooper Francis were justifiable under Idaho law,” said Col. Kedrick Wills, ISP director. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Quinton,” he added.

You can view our previous story HERE.