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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.