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.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.