Police release more details after man shoots up motel over smoking-fee charge
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 1/24/22: On Friday at approximately 9:50 a.m., Madison County dispatch received 911 calls from employees at Motel 6 located at 1360 South 12th West in Rexburg reporting a male had just fired several rounds into the front of the Motel 6 building using a rifle.
Madison dispatch was also advised the suspect was described as an African American male and he had just left the scene driving a Black Ford truck that was pulling a black trailer.
When Rexburg Police arrived, they confirmed there were no injuries from the gunshots and the suspect had in fact left the scene.
Local surrounding schools were then placed in a soft lock down, also known as a shelter in place, due to the suspect being outstanding at that time. The shelter in place was lifted approximately one hour later.
During the course of the investigation, it was found the male suspect had been staying at the motel and had a disagreement with the front desk staff while checking out. The suspect left the building upset and walked to his truck in the front parking lot located on the north end of the building. He then retrieved an AR-15 rifle from his truck and walked back to the front entry way of the building. The suspect then discharged 13 rounds into the front of the building. The suspect then got into his truck that had a female passenger and left the scene.
The suspect was ultimately identified as 35-year-old Johnnie Kendrall Adams from Mississippi.
Rexburg Police put an attempt to locate out on Adams and the black truck and trailer he was driving.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., Adams was located in Alpine, Wyoming and was placed into custody without incident.
Adams was also found in possession of the AR-15 rifle, drugs and paraphernalia.
Adams in being charged in ldaho with five felony counts of aggravated assault and one count of felony
unlawful discharge of a firearm into an occupied building.
Adams will face the drug charges in Wyoming where he was located and arrested.
The female passenger was interviewed and ultimately released.
"We would like to especially thank the public for all of the tips and information received about this case and thank all of the agencies involved that assisted in the apprehension of Adams," Asst. Chief Gary Hagen said.
UPDATE: A suspect is in police custody for allegedly shooting a gun at a Rexburg hotel.
Rexburg Police Asst. Chief Gary Hagan reported the man was arrested in Alpine, Wyo. early Friday afternoon.
His name was not released and a motive was given by Hagan.
The manager of the Motel 6 said the man was upset because he was charged a smoking fee.
He also said they have closed the hotel for the night.
ORIGINAL STORY: REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) - Rexburg police are investigating an apparent drive-by shooting at a local motel Friday morning.
Rexburg Police Asst. Chief Gary Hagan said the incident happened around 10 a.m. at the Motel 6 on South 12th West.
The suspect left in a new model black pickup hauling a flatbed trailer, he said. The driver was described as an African-American man.
As a precaution, nearby schools were placed in a shelter in place until they secured the area. They included Burton Elementary, Madison Middle School and Madison High School.
Hagan believes this to be an isolated incident.
No one was injured.
Police are continuing to investigate for evidence.
If you see the suspect or the black truck, call your local authorities or Rexburg Police at 208-359-3008.
