Crime
At least 2 firefighters dead, several wounded in active shooter incident in Coeur d’Alene, Gunman still shooting
There is believed to be people trapped on the mountain.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A devastating active shooter incident in northern Idaho has left at least two people dead and several others wounded, including firefighters who were reportedly ambushed while responding to a wildfire near Canfield Mountain.
Authorities have declared the situation a mass casualty incident as the emergency response continues.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that firefighters came under immediate gunfire upon arrival at the scene of a brush fire along East Nettleton Gulch Road.
Scanner audio from Kootenai County Fire units revealed the intensity of the situation, with emergency personnel calling for urgent assistance and warning other units to stay away.
“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,” one radio transmission stated.
Authorities believe the fire may have been intentionally set to lure firefighters into an ambush. Multiple personnel from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District were shot as they attempted to contain the blaze.
According to Fire Chief Pat Riley, the attack happened with little warning as crews arrived to battle the growing wildfire.
As of this report, at least two fatalities have been confirmed. Several others remain injured, though the exact number of victims is still being determined.
First responders continue to search the area, and wounded individuals are still being located.
Due to the active and dangerous nature of the scene, fire crews were forced to retreat, allowing the wildfire to burn unchecked in at least two major areas. The full extent of the fire’s spread and structural damage remains unknown.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert urging residents to avoid the area:
“Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.”
The identity and number of suspects are still unclear. A possible suspect vehicle has been located, and two Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopters are assisting in the aerial search for the shooter or shooters.
One medical helicopter was also deployed to transport critically injured victims from the scene.
Lieutenant Jeff Howard of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this is an ongoing and fluid investigation.
Residents are being strongly advised to remain indoors, stay alert, and follow all instructions from law enforcement.
This remains a developing story. Officials are expected to provide further updates as more details become 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.