Crime
Coeur d’Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood killed in Canfield Mountain ambush
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO – Authorities have confirmed the identities of the two firefighters killed in a deliberate ambush on Canfield Mountain on Sunday, June 30. The victims were:
- John Morrison, Battalion Chief with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department
- Frank Harwood, Battalion Chief with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue
Both men were fatally shot while responding to a brush fire that investigators now believe was intentionally set to lure first responders into a trap.
A third firefighter, David Tysdal, a Firefighter/Engineer with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and a member of IAFF Local 710, was seriously injured in the attack. He remains hospitalized in critical condition, fighting for his life.
The suspect has been identified by law enforcement as Wess Roley, 20, of Coeur d’Alene. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, Roley appeared to have orchestrated the attack by setting a fire to draw firefighters into a remote area before opening fire on them. Authorities describe the ambush as sniper-style.
Roley was found deceased at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Sheriff Norris confirmed.
A flint fire starter was recovered on his body and is believed to have been used to ignite the brush fire. Investigators also recovered rifled shotgun slugs and other ballistic fragments from the scene, though it remains unclear which of Roley’s firearms—a shotgun and a long rifle, according to family—were used in the shooting.
Preliminary information indicates there may have been a brief verbal interaction between Roley and the responding firefighters just before the ambush began.
In interviews with media, Roley’s grandfather, Dale Roley, stated that Wess had expressed a desire to pursue a career in wildland firefighting. “He wanted to be a fireman – he was doing tree work and he wanted to be a fireman in the forest,” he said. “As far as I know, he was actually pursuing it.” The younger Roley had been working in the family’s tree service business and was said to be uncertain about his long-term career path.
Roley had reportedly been living in his car in the weeks leading up to the incident. His grandfather said they typically spoke weekly, but they had not spoken in the past month due to Wess having lost his phone.
Social media posts indicate Roley recently vacationed in Hawaii with his mother. Public records show he previously lived in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Court documents also point to a troubled family history.
In 2015, when Wess was 10 years old, his mother filed for divorce, citing domestic abuse, including threats involving a sniper rifle and arson. A protective order was issued against Roley’s father but later modified to allow contact with his son after the father disputed the allegations.
No manifesto or written statement was recovered at the scene, and authorities have not yet identified a motive. Sheriff Norris confirmed that the FBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation, given the premeditated and targeted nature of the attack.
“This is a devastating tragedy for our community and for the fire service family,” said Sheriff Norris. “We will pursue every lead to understand what led to this horrific act.”
Funeral arrangements for Battalion Chiefs Morrison and Harwood are pending. Meanwhile, the firefighting and first responder community across Idaho and beyond is rallying in support of Engineer Tysdal and all those affected by this targeted act of violence.
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.