Crime
At least 2 people wounded after shooting at Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace
UPDATE: The suspect has been neutralized, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris.
WALLACE, Idaho — Authorities are responding to an active shooter incident at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, where at least two people have reportedly been shot, and the suspect is believed to remain inside the building, according to preliminary information from law enforcement and local media.
Multiple agencies were dispatched after reports of gunfire at the sheriff’s office, which is located across from and directly in front of the Shoshone County Courthouse in downtown Wallace.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that law enforcement personnel are actively responding to the incident.
Witnesses reported hearing shots fired inside the lobby, with some indicating that at least seven gunshots were heard earlier in the event. These details have not yet been officially confirmed.
Early, unverified reports suggested the possibility of a hostage situation. Authorities have not confirmed whether any hostages are involved.
There are also preliminary reports that the suspect may be barricaded inside the sheriff’s office, possibly in an area described by witnesses as the attorney visiting room. Officials have not confirmed the suspect’s status or exact location.
A large law enforcement presence has been established around the sheriff’s office, courthouse, and surrounding blocks as officers work to secure the area and manage the ongoing threat. Authorities are urging the public to avoid downtown Wallace, the county seat of Shoshone County, until further notice.
Nearby businesses have taken emergency precautions.
The owner of an Ace Hardware store located across the street from the sheriff’s office confirmed that gunfire struck their building. Employees were immediately placed on lockdown in the store’s basement for safety.
Confusion initially arose due to the close proximity of the sheriff’s office and the courthouse. The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office in neighboring Montana posted that online reports of an active shooter at the Shoshone County Courthouse were accurate. Authorities later corrected the statement, clarifying that the incident was occurring at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, which is situated directly in front of the courthouse.
“We are sending reinforcement to help our neighbor,” the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office said in an updated statement. “Please pray for all law enforcement.”
The situation remains active and fluid, with multiple agencies assisting.
Authorities and media outlets say additional information will be released as it becomes available and stress the importance of relying on official updates as the response continues.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.