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
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.