Suspect in killing of Idaho sheriff's deputy fatally shot by police, authorities say

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho sheriff's deputy died after being shot by a driver during a traffic stop, and a person believed to be the shooting suspect was later fatally shot by police, the authorities said on Sunday.

Deputy Tobin Bolter, 27, was shot in Boise about 9 p.m. Saturday as he approached the motive force's window and the suspect fled, Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford said Sunday. Clifford said Bolter was the primary sheriff's deputy within the county to be killed within the line of duty.

Boise police found the suspect's vehicle unoccupied a few half hour after the shooting and located a person believed to be the suspect outside a house, Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar said.

The police tactical unit responded and spent a while attempting to get the person to give up, Winegar said. Some nearby residents were asked to evacuate, but others in the world were warned to remain indoors, he said.

Shortly after midnight, the person shot at officers, and certainly one of the officers returned fire and shot him, Winegar said. Officers rendered him aid, but he was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, he said.

The man's name was not released, but authorities said he was 65 years old and was being arrested on a misdemeanor charge.

At an emotional news conference shortly after Bolter's death on the hospital, Clifford thanked paramedics and the citizen who stopped to assist the deputy.

“I think it shows what kind of community we live in, where there are bad people doing bad things, but also good people who help us and come to our aid,” he said.

Bolter had worked in law enforcement for seven years but only joined the sheriff's office in January, Clifford said. He previously worked for the Meridian Police Department and the California Pleasant Hill Police Department.

Idaho Governor Brad Little ordered the United States and Idaho flags lowered to half-staff in Bolter's honor.

“Our hearts break for Deputy Tobin Bolter’s family, loved ones and fellow police officers,” Little said in a press release. “Every day, our brave men and women in blue put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and keep our communities safe. Idaho mourns this devastating loss.”