Crime
40-year-old Brent Sharrai arrested after planting IED on parked railroad car in Payette, Idaho
On January 1, 2025, at approximately 5:54 p.m., the Payette Police Department responded to reports of a suspicious individual observed near a parked railroad car in the 600 block of North 8th Street. The individual appeared to be attempting to ignite an object.
Upon arrival, officers discovered fresh footprints in the snow leading to a train car. Inside the car, they located a suspected undetonated improvised explosive device (IED).
Officers followed the tracks to a nearby camp trailer parked close to a residence in the same area.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Payette resident Brent Sharrai, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Sharrai surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody on outstanding warrants in Payette County.
He was later booked into the Payette County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Possession of a Destructive Device (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)
- Resisting and Obstructing Officers
Given the imminent danger posed by the IED, the Nampa Bomb Squad was called to the scene to neutralize the threat. Union Pacific Railroad was notified, and all trains scheduled to pass through the area were placed on standby for approximately five hours while the scene was secured.
Using a specialized robot, the Nampa Bomb Squad safely removed the device from the train car and later detonated it in a controlled environment to ensure it no longer posed a threat. An FBI agent also responded to assist with the ongoing investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for the camp trailer where Sharrai had been staying. Inside, officers discovered items consistent with those used to construct the IED found on the train car, as well as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
Sharrai remains in custody at the Payette County Jail, facing the listed charges. Federal charges for possession and manufacturing of a destructive device are pending further investigation by the FBI.
This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift action by law enforcement. The Payette Police Department extends its gratitude to the Nampa Bomb Squad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the FBI for their assistance in ensuring the safety of the community.
The two-day manhunt for Austin Schepers, a 33-year-old man accused of shooting an Orange County, Indiana deputy sheriff, came to an end Saturday night when law enforcement fatally shot Schepers during a confrontation in Louisville, Kentucky.
Indiana State Police (ISP) reported that Schepers was located in the 3700 block of Wheeler Avenue, in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood.
Officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) were led to the residence as part of their efforts to apprehend the fugitive.
Upon finding Schepers, a confrontation ensued, during which he was fatally shot by law enforcement at the scene. LMPD has classified the incident as a “critical investigation,” emphasizing its serious nature.
The events leading to the manhunt began on Friday when Deputy Zac Andry of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a vehicle—a Pontiac Grand Prix—partially blocking the road. While checking on the situation, Deputy Andry encountered Schepers.
According to investigators, Schepers pulled out a firearm during the interaction and opened fire on Deputy Andry, striking him multiple times, including a critical wound to the head.
Deputy Andry was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition as of the latest updates. The incident sparked a widespread manhunt involving multiple agencies.
Schepers’ death concludes the search, but investigations into the circumstances surrounding both the original shooting and the subsequent confrontation remain ongoing. LMPD and ISP are working together to piece together the sequence of events.
The shooting of Deputy Andry has left the Orange County community reeling. Local law enforcement has expressed gratitude for the support received during the manhunt and has asked the public to continue keeping Deputy Andry and his family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations progress.