Crime
Audio: Kootenai County firefighters ambushed by gunman while responding to wildfire in Coeur d’Alene
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A horrifying ambush unfolded in Kootenai County, where multiple firefighters were shot while responding to a wildfire, in what authorities now suspect was a deliberately set trap.
According to Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard, firefighters came under immediate gunfire as they arrived at the scene of a brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road, in the Canfield Mountain area.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an active shooter situation, and law enforcement agencies are engaged in a large-scale search for the gunman.
Scanner traffic captured during the initial response reveals the chaotic and dangerous conditions faced by first responders.
One transmission stated:
“There’s an active shooter zone! They’re shot down. BC3’s down, BC1’s down. Everybody’s shot up here. Law enforcement, Code 3 now up here! … Get out of the way. Engine Brush 551, do not come up here.”
Authorities say the fire may have been intentionally ignited to lure in emergency personnel, who were then ambushed by the shooter.
Multiple firefighters were hit by gunfire. While the total number of victims has not been officially confirmed, fire and police radio traffic indicate several injuries among first responders, with at least one medical helicopter dispatched for evacuation.
Two Spokane County Sheriff’s helicopters are currently assisting with the aerial search for the suspect, who remains at large.
A possible suspect vehicle has been located near the scene, though no arrests have been reported.
As a result of the active shooter threat, fire crews were forced to withdraw from the area, leaving the wildfire still actively burning in at least two major sections.
The full extent of the damage caused by the fire remains unknown, and the safety of remaining personnel in the area is a top concern.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has issued an emergency alert to the public:
“Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.”
Residents are strongly advised to stay away from the Canfield Mountain area, remain indoors, and follow instructions from local authorities as the situation continues to develop.
The Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple regional agencies are actively responding.
Updates will be provided as more confirmed information becomes available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.