Suspect shot by Bannock County sheriff’s deputy
A man who led southeastern Idaho law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase after a hit-and-run was shot and injured by a Bannock County deputy, late Wednesday night.
The sheriff’s office says the deputy who was able to stop the Fort Hall man, Kevin Dean Toane, 33, shot him in defense after Toane tried ramming his car at the end of the chase. The suspect was taken to the Portneuf MedicalCenter and then later “Life- Flighted” to the University of Utah Medical center where he was listed in critical condition. Family members are reporting he is now listed to be in serious condition.
Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen says the chase began at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday when a deputy spotted the vehicle suspected in the hit-and-run. Other deputies and Fort Hall police joined the pursuit. The vehicle slowed to a stop on a dirt road after it ran over spike strips set out by law enforcement.
Officers said as they approached the vehicle, the suspect tried to ram them and their vehicles.
The sheriff’s deputy is on administrative leave, due to standard protocol until the investigation is completed.
Since the incident occurred on Fort Hall property, the investigation will fall under FBI jurisdiction. FBI officials from Pocatello will bring in an investigative team from Salt Lake City to help out. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office will also help lead the investigation.
Other law enforcement officials involved in helping the sheriff’s office in Wednesday night’s case are: the Pocatello Police Dept., Fort Hall police, Idaho State Police, and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
