Two BPD officers shot, suspect dead following shooting on Boise Bench
BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — Two Boise Police officers were shot and one person is dead following a shooting on the Boise Bench Friday afternoon.
The shooting happened in a neighborhood north of Emerald and east of Orchard Street on Wilson and Irving.
One officer is in critical but stable condition, and the other is in fair condition. The suspect, who police believe is Marco Romero, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
"We had a serious tragedy in the city of Boise tonight both for our police department and for our community," said Boise PD chief William Bones.
Bones says a police dog, Jardo, was also shot during the incident, but is expected to be OK following surgery.
Suspect Romero has been wanted by police after officers say he shot two people Tuesday night and carjacked an elderly woman in Meridian. Bones said that while they believe the suspect is in fact Romero, only the Ada County Coroner's office will be able to officially identify the man.
Bones says a short pursuit started near Irving and Wilson when the suspect fled the scene. Police started a yard by yard, house by house search in the area when they located the suspect. Bones say the suspect fired a gun hitting the two officers and the police K9.
The investigation is ongoing. The Garden City Police Department will be the lead investigative agency.
"I just ask that the prayers from the citizens of Boise are out there tonight for our officers so they come through this OK," Chief Bones said. "Those words of encouragement. Those thoughts and as I said, most importantly your prayers for the welfare of our officers tonight."
Treasure Valley Police agencies shared their words of encouragement and support to Boise PD.
"We stand together with our Brothers and Sisters in Blue at Boise Police Department," Nampa Police said.
"At this most difficult time for @BoisePD, they have our full support in every way. We wish their officers a speedy and full recovery," Ada County Sheriff.
Boise Mayor David Bieter released a statement Saturday saying:
"Yesterday’s news that two of our officers were shot in the line of duty disturbed us all greatly. It is a stark reminder that, even here in Boise, our police officers put their lives at risk on our behalf each and every day. We can never thank them enough for what they do to make our city and families safe.
"Cpl. Chris Davis’ release from the hospital this morning came as a great relief. I was able to speak with him last night and wish him and his family well on his quick recovery.
"Like all Boiseans, I’m sure, my thoughts and prayers remain focused on the second officer shot yesterday. While his condition has improved, his recovery is likely to be more lengthy and challenging. I ask our entire community keep him and his family in your prayers as they work through this difficult time and toward his full recovery.
"I’d also like to recognize Jardo, the canine officer who was shot during yesterday’s incident. Our canine officers play an important role in keeping our city safe and earn great respect from their fellow officers. Get well Jardo.
"We don’t fully understand the circumstances of yesterday’s incident, but I’m sure the family of the suspect involved is also distraught and struggling with how he became involved in a situation with such a horrible outcome. Our thoughts and prayers go to them as well.
"And finally, I’d like to thank the residents of Boise, whose support of our officers during this time has been swift, heartfelt and abundant. On behalf of all of our officers, I thank you."
