Officer-involved shooting: “Their actions were JUSTIFIED as an act of self-defense”
UPDATE: IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal announced today that the officers who returned fire during the Econo Lodge standoff acted in self defense. He based his determination on the investigation conducted by East Idaho Critical Incident Response Team.
"I have found nothing in the actions of these officers which would require my review for determining violations of criminal law, and that their actions fell with reasonable use of force for the purposes of effectuating a lawful arrest of the suspect," Neal wrote.
He commends all officers involved for their courage in the line of duty.
Police release bodycam footage of hotel room shooting
ORIGINAL: IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Police Department released body-cam footage from the EconoLodge standoff with Robert Flores.
Police were called to the EconoLodge in Idaho Falls on April 8 when Flores refused to leave. Officers entered the hotel room when the suspect fired at the officers from the bathroom. Two officers returned fire. Robert Flores was injured by gunfire in the incident and was taken to an area hospital.
Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson said responding officers followed protocol, gave verbal commands, and attempted to open the door to the bathroom where Flores barricaded himself in. Johnson commended the bravery of his officers.
"We would move heaven and earth to keep the community safe," Johnson said.
Johnson says that Idaho Falls Police have access to several resources, like a chaplain and counselors, to help with PTSD from moments like this.
This story is developing and will be updated.
