Parker gets 22 years for officer-involved shooting, chase

A high-speed car chase and officer-involved that rocked Idaho Falls in October 2011 found some resolution on Monday.

31-year-old Scott Parker was sentenced to 22 years in prison for leading officers on the chase before shooting at squad cars with a high-power assault rifle.

The sentence marked an end to an emotional saga, but the memories of Parker’s attempt at “suicide-by-cop” will be with officers forever.

During sentencing the court got a glimpse of dash-camera video from one of the patrol cars involved in the chase. It was gripping footage outlining the gravity of Parker’s actions.

Parker on Monday asserted his desire was only to harm himself. He said he was attempting “suicide-by-cop” and, “… Just wanted to die.”

His attorney referenced a long history of mental illness, but for the officers involved in the shooting there is no excuse good enough for the toll the ordeal has taken on their lives and the lives of their family members.

Idaho Falls police captain Royce Clements spoke on behalf of more than 14 Idaho Falls police and Bonneville County Sheriff officers present in court.

“The impact on my family was the most difficult thing for me,” Clements said through tears. “To see the stress that it places on them, I mentally prepare for myself, but I can’t prepare for my family.”

Victim impact statements from several other officers detailed the lasting effects of the shooting.

The 22-year sentence combines two 10-year sentences for each aggravated assault charge. Aggravated assault usually carries a maximum 5-year sentence per count, but because the assault was against a police officer, the maximum sentence is 10 years. There was also an additional 2-years imposed for eluding an officer.

Parker will be elligible for parole in 13 years.