Crime
Off-Duty Officer Austin “AJ” Scott James Hailed as Hero After Being Shot While Confronting Gunman in Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — As investigators continue examining the deadly mass shooting at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, new details have emerged about another individual credited with risking his life to protect others during the attack.
According to statements shared by family members and local residents, Austin “AJ” Scott James, an off-duty Twin Falls police officer, was among those who confronted the gunman after hearing gunfire.
During the exchange, James was reportedly shot by the suspect and remains hospitalized as he begins what family members say will be a lengthy recovery.
Police have confirmed that an off-duty law enforcement officer and an armed citizen returned fire during the incident, stating their actions helped divert the shooter and likely prevented additional casualties. However, authorities have not officially identified the off-duty officer by name.
The identification of Austin “AJ” Scott James comes from statements made publicly by his family and community members.
According to his father, Marcus Scott, Austin James immediately responded when he heard gunfire erupt at the crowded restaurant.
“My son Austin AJ Scott was shot while responding to an active shooter incident. When he heard gunfire, he made the courageous decision to move toward the danger in an effort to help protect others.”
Marcus Scott said his son suffered serious injuries after being struck by gunfire and now faces multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and an extended recovery.
“He was critically injured and is now facing a long road of surgeries, recovery and rehabilitation.”
The family expressed gratitude that he survived the shooting.
“We are incredibly thankful that God spared his life and that his wife and friend were there to provide immediate care until he could get to the hospital.”
Family members said AJ’s wife, Connie, acted immediately after he was wounded by applying a tourniquet before transporting him to the emergency room.
According to relatives, those quick actions may have played a critical role in saving his life before emergency medical personnel took over his care.
The family said both Austin and Connie are expected to face significant time away from work during his recovery and have asked for continued prayers and community support.
AJ’s grandfather, Larry James, shared his pride in his grandson while providing an update on his condition.
“Austin Scott is my grandson, a proud and brave third-generation law enforcement officer.”
He added that AJ was shot in the arm while trying to engage the shooter.
“He was shot while trying to engage the shooter. He was shot in the arm but is recovering with a long recovery ahead. Very proud grandpa!”
During a Sunday news conference, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said investigators believe the actions of both an off-duty officer and an armed civilian helped stop the attack from becoming even more deadly.
“We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties.”
Hicks added:
“We want to take a moment and commend the actions of the off-duty officer and the citizen, and their heroic action to stop this incident.”
Authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of either individual, although multiple witnesses have identified the armed citizen seen in viral cellphone footage as Jordan Salinas.
Witnesses said Salinas drew his handgun and confronted the suspect during the shooting while customers and employees fled the restaurant.
Video captured by witness Lane Koehn shows the armed citizen exchanging gunfire with the suspect outside the restaurant. At one point, Salinas appears to stumble into nearby bushes before getting back up and continuing to move toward the shooter.
Police have not confirmed whether Salinas struck the suspect or whether his gunfire directly ended the attack, but officials acknowledged that the intervention by both the armed citizen and the off-duty officer likely saved lives.
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who police say acted alone before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon outside the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger, which had opened just days earlier on July 24 as part of the California-based chain’s expansion into Idaho.
Including Williams, four people died in the attack.
Police continue investigating the motive and have not announced what led Williams to carry out the shooting.
Among those killed was Christopher “Toph” Claunch, whose family and friends described him as a compassionate man who devoted himself to helping others.
A tribute shared after his death stated:
“Toph wasn’t just a friend, he was a brother. A man who fought through adversity and not only became an amazing man but also a role model. Toph will always be remembered as a pillar in our community.”
Another victim was Ashley, an employee at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger.
In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder released an emotional statement honoring Ashley’s life.
“My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed. We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight.”
She added that Ashley was serving customers when she was killed.
“She was taking care of our most important asset—our customers—and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn’t value the lives of others or his own.”
The shooting also left seven people wounded.
According to the latest update from authorities:
- Two victims have been treated and released from the hospital.
- Three remain hospitalized in stable condition.
- Two remain in critical condition.
Among those injured is Steven Pixley, who was wounded during the attack.
Another survivor, Terry Dudley, was shot while inside a blue Tesla parked outside the restaurant. Family members said he underwent surgery and is in stable condition.
The passenger of a gray Tesla survived and continues receiving medical treatment, while the vehicle’s driver was killed in the shooting.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting the Twin Falls Police Department and has asked members of the public to submit photographs, videos, and other evidence related to the shooting.
Investigators continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and processing evidence as they work to establish a complete timeline of the attack.
Police have also warned the public about misinformation circulating online and emphasized that several individuals incorrectly identified as the shooter have no involvement in the incident.
As the Twin Falls community continues to mourn those killed and pray for the injured, tributes continue to pour in for the victims and for those who risked their own lives—including the off-duty officer and the armed citizen—whose actions are widely credited with helping prevent an even greater tragedy.
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.