Crime
Downtown Wallace shooting suspect identified as 77-year-old John Drake
WALLACE, Idaho — Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy has confirmed that the suspect involved in Friday’s shooting at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office was John Drake, 77, who was fatally shot by law enforcement inside the building.
According to authorities, the investigation into the incident remained ongoing as of Saturday.
Law enforcement officials confirmed they have been in contact with Drake’s wife, Clare Drake, who is cooperating fully with investigators.
She told authorities she was unaware that Drake had left the home or intended to carry out the actions that led to the shooting.
Sheriff Eddy stated that Drake was generally supportive of law enforcement and had minimal prior contact with police.
Investigators do not believe Drake was targeting a specific individual inside the building, though officials acknowledged that the motive may ultimately remain unclear.
Authorities reported that Drake entered the sheriff’s office at approximately 2:40 p.m. Friday.
He remained inside the facility for about 90 minutes, spending most of his time in the public lobby, the jail visiting area, and the courtroom.
During the incident, multiple rounds were fired, leaving bullet damage throughout the building.
Everyone inside the facility took shelter as the situation unfolded. Investigators believe three law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the response.
According to law enforcement briefings, two civilian bystanders were injured outside the sheriff’s office when Drake allegedly fired through the windshield of a vehicle, striking one woman seated in the front and another in the back.
A source familiar with the incident said the two injured bystanders were transported to a local hospital by a family member.
Authorities further reported that the suspect continued firing at the vehicle as it fled the scene toward the hospital. Both bystanders sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
In addition, a Kellogg police officer sustained a minor injury after being struck in the ear by glass while stationed in the dispatch center, which shares a window with the sheriff’s office lobby. That officer was also transported to a hospital for treatment.
During a press conference in Wallace, officials confirmed that two bystanders and one law enforcement officer were injured in the shooting.
Authorities stated that the suspect was in the lobby when he was fat see shot by police.
In a separate release, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) said the active shooter was first reported at 2:40 p.m., and after a multi-agency response, the suspect was neutralized by approximately 5:00 p.m. KCSO confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Despite the absence of an active danger, officials continue to urge the public to avoid the downtown Wallace area while the investigation proceeds. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that the suspect died at the scene.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including sheriff’s offices from surrounding counties.
The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office announced it sent additional personnel to assist and reiterated calls for the public to stay clear of the area.
The Idaho Transportation Department also reported that the Interstate 90 eastbound off-ramp at Exit 62 near Wallace was temporarily closed as part of the law enforcement response.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the suspect’s motive and said further updates will be provided as the investigation 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.