3 dead, including suspect, with 2 injured in Power County shooting

POWER COUNTY, Idaho — Power County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that left three people dead and two others injured Friday afternoon along Tank Farm Road in Power County, according to the Power County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Watch the news conference from Friday night below.

Dispatchers received reports of a shooting at about 2:38 p.m. Friday, April 3. When emergency responders arrived, they found two people dead at the scene and a third person injured, the sheriff’s office said.

As deputies continued their investigation, a suspect was located hiding near the Portneuf River. While officers were at the scene, they heard additional gunshots and discovered a fourth victim who had also been injured. That person was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect, but the situation escalated when the suspect brandished a firearm and posed a threat to officers, according to the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement officers then used deadly force. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, officials said.

“The community is safe,” the Power County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that deputies and assisting agencies remain on scene processing evidence.

The names of the deceased and injured are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those lost today and with those recovering in the hospital,” Sheriff Kasey Kendall said in a statement. “We are grateful for the quick response of our deputies and regional partners who worked to ensure no further harm came to our community.”

The Idaho Falls Police Department will lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting, authorities said. The investigation into the initial shooting will be conducted by the Idaho State Police, along with the Bingham County and Bannock County sheriff’s offices.