Crime
Idaho Sheriff Urges Armed Residents to Neutralize Shooter as Officers Take Sniper Fire Near Canfield Mountain
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A rapidly unfolding crisis near Canfield Mountain continues to grip northern Idaho after multiple firefighters were ambushed and shot while responding to a wildfire.
Law enforcement remains under active sniper fire, and officials have confirmed at least two fatalities with an unknown number of additional casualties.
Timeline of Events:
- At 1:21 p.m., emergency dispatchers received reports of a brush fire on the eastern slope of Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene.
- Firefighters were dispatched to the area, but by approximately 2:00 p.m., alarming reports surfaced that crews were being shot at while battling the blaze.
- According to preliminary updates, at least two people are confirmed dead, both believed to be firefighters. The exact number of wounded remains unconfirmed, and some civilians may be stranded or in shock on the mountain amid the violence.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris held a briefing Saturday afternoon, describing the situation as “very fresh, very active,” confirming that law enforcement officers are “actively taking sniper fire” from an elevated position on the mountain.
Sheriff Norris said the shooter or shooters appear to be using modern, high-powered sporting rifles, and the level of danger remains extreme for all personnel in the area.
“If these individuals are not neutralized quickly, this could become a multi-day operation,” he warned.
A shelter-in-place order remains in effect for the surrounding area. Authorities are urging residents to avoid the Canfield Mountain region entirely.
In an unorthodox but urgent public message, Sheriff Norris encouraged any armed and capable civilians in the immediate area to assist if the opportunity presents itself:
“I’m hoping somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize [the shooter], because they’re not showing any indication of surrendering. So as soon as someone has a clear shot, I encourage them to take it and neutralize the threat.”
Multiple Shooters?
The number of suspects involved remains unknown.
When questioned by a reporter about whether gunfire was coming from more than one location, the sheriff confirmed:
“Yes. Oh, yeah. Yep. That’s what officers and deputies are reporting up on the mountain right now.”
Investigators have not yet determined whether there are multiple active shooters or if a single suspect is moving across the terrain.
Ongoing Response:
- Two Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopters are assisting with aerial surveillance and suspect tracking.
- One medical helicopter has been dispatched to evacuate the injured.
- A possible suspect vehicle has been located, but no arrests have been confirmed.
- Fire crews have withdrawn due to the threat, leaving multiple fire fronts still burning on the mountain.
A formal press conference is anticipated within the next 3–4 hours, barring any major developments. Law enforcement, fire officials, and emergency responders are working jointly to contain both the physical fire and the ongoing armed threat.
Authorities continue to urge all residents: stay indoors, stay away, and do not approach the scene under any circumstances unless directed by law enforcement.
This is a developing emergency, and further updates will follow as more 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.