Crime
Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Two Injured; Suspected Gunman Killed
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A mass shooting near the newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls left three people dead and two others injured Saturday afternoon, prompting a massive law enforcement response and a temporary shelter-in-place order as authorities worked to secure the area.
The Twin Falls Police Department confirmed that the shooting occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. near the restaurant, which had opened to the public just one week earlier on July 24.
Police later announced that the suspected gunman is dead, and officials said the threat to the community has ended.
Investigators have not yet disclosed how the suspect died or released the identities of those involved.
During an evening press briefing, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks confirmed that three people were killed in the shooting while two additional victims suffered injuries.
The injured victims were transported to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, where they were receiving treatment.
Officials said two patients remained hospitalized but did not immediately release details regarding the severity of their injuries.
Authorities have not yet clarified whether the deceased include the suspected shooter.
The shooting erupted during the busy afternoon hours as customers filled the drive-thru and restaurant parking lot.
Witnesses described hearing a rapid barrage of gunfire before dozens of people fled across nearby streets in panic.
Video captured by bystanders circulating online appears to show a man carrying what witnesses described as a camouflaged AR-style rifle moving through the drive-thru area.
Several witnesses reported that the suspect exited a white vehicle, opened the trunk, and appeared to retrieve another firearm while people scrambled to escape.
The suspected shooter was described as a young white male wearing glasses, blue jeans, and a black T-shirt featuring a large logo across the chest.
Additional witness videos also appeared to show another individual firing a handgun during the incident.
Authorities have not confirmed whether that person was a second suspect or someone attempting to stop the attack.
Numerous agencies responded to the active shooter scene, including:
- Twin Falls Police Department
- Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office
- Idaho State Police
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Chief Hicks said officers quickly secured the area and later confirmed the immediate danger had ended.
“The threat to the community is over,” Hicks said during a news conference held around 5:45 p.m.
Investigators continue processing the crime scene while determining the sequence of events that led to the deadly shooting.
Authorities temporarily closed several roads surrounding the shooting scene, including access near the Perrine Bridge, while investigators collected evidence.
A shelter-in-place order issued during the incident has since been lifted.
Police continue urging residents and visitors to avoid the immediate area as detectives complete their investigation.
Because of the emergency response, St. Luke’s Magic Valley asked the public to avoid coming to the hospital unless facing a true medical emergency.
Hospital officials emphasized that the Emergency Department remained open for patients requiring urgent care.
Investigators have not released the identities of the victims or the suspected gunman, and no motive has been announced.
Authorities continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance video, and collecting evidence from the scene.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Twin Falls Police Department as the investigation remains active.
Crime
Ihor Demianenko Identified as Driver in North Hollywood Crash That Killed 3 and Critically Injured 2, Held on $6 Million Bail
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — A 61-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a vehicle crashed into pedestrians and street vendors near a Metro station in North Hollywood, killing three women and injuring two others.
The driver, identified as Ihor Demianenko, is being held on more than $6 million bail. In addition to the suspected DUI offense, he is facing three counts of murder in connection with the deadly crash, according to authorities.
The collision happened shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday near the Metro station on North Lankershim Boulevard, close to Chandler Boulevard, during the evening rush hour.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Demianenko was driving a white minivan southbound on Lankershim Boulevard at what investigators described as an unsafe speed. The vehicle reportedly veered off the roadway and struck several pedestrians and food vendors on the sidewalk.
Demianenko became trapped inside the minivan and had to be extricated by emergency responders. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries before being arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.
Three women were pronounced dead at the scene. The LAPD confirmed that the victims were 40, 53 and 69 years old. Their identities had not been publicly released in the information available.
Two additional women, believed to be between 50 and 55 years old, were struck and transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The crash occurred in an area where street vendors regularly sell food and other items near the Metro station entrance and exit. Witnesses told local media that at least two of the women who died were longtime food vendors who had worked in the area for years.
The deaths have deeply affected commuters, customers and neighborhood residents who regularly encountered the women.
People familiar with the vendors described them as friendly and generous community members who welcomed customers and sometimes provided food even to people who could not afford to pay.
A growing memorial appeared near the crash site Wednesday as people stopped to pay their respects and remember the women.
Joseph Portillo, who said he saw the vendors regularly, expressed sadness over their deaths and the impact on their families and children.
Another vendor, Noe Orozco, told local media that he worked alongside the women and regularly dropped them off in the morning and picked them up later in the day. He said he had just picked them up as usual when he came upon the devastating crash scene and discovered that one of his colleagues had died.
The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the events leading up to the minivan leaving the roadway.
Demianenko remains in custody on more than $6 million bail. He has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and is facing three murder counts.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events that led to the deaths and injuries.