Crime
Coeur d’Alene Ambush Suspect Wess Roley Set Fire to Lure Firefighters into Deadly Trap
The motive behind the ambush remains under investigation.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified the gunman behind Sunday’s deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain as 20-year-old Wess Roley, a resident of northern Idaho.
Roley is accused of deliberately setting a wildfire to lure first responders into a trap, before opening fire on firefighters, killing two and critically injuring a third.
According to law enforcement officials, Roley was the son of Heather Lynn Caldwell-Cuchiara and stepson of Tony Cuchiara, both of whom are known supporters of the political MAGA movement.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Roley’s political affiliations played any role in the attack.
The motive behind the ambush remains under investigation.
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when a brush fire was reported on the east side of Canfield Mountain, just outside the city of Coeur d’Alene.
Firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue responded to the scene.
By 2:00 p.m., radio transmissions from firefighters indicated they were under active gunfire.
“These firefighters did not have a chance,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, describing the scene as an intentional ambush. “The fire was set to draw them in.”
Law enforcement officers, including members of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and other responding agencies, engaged in a tactical response.
SWAT teams were deployed, and helicopters were dispatched to provide air support and locate the gunman.
Later in the afternoon, SWAT officers located Roley’s body on Canfield Mountain near a high-powered firearm.
It remains unclear whether he was killed by return fire from law enforcement or died by suicide.
His body was recovered and transported off the mountain as the wildfire continued to advance.
“We recovered a firearm next to the suspect,” Norris confirmed. “We believe he acted alone, based on the trajectory of gunfire and the type of weaponry recovered at the scene.”
Two firefighters were killed in the attack — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
A third firefighter, also from Coeur d’Alene, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but is currently reported to be in stable condition and recovering after surgery.
Sheriff Norris noted that law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect during the standoff and declared the situation a mass casualty incident as first responders continued to evacuate personnel from the danger zone.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous and deliberate assault on our first responders.” He urged the public to keep the fallen and wounded firefighters and their families in their thoughts.
“This is a tragic day for Idaho. Our hearts are with those who serve on the front lines and the communities they protect,” the governor stated.
The FBI has joined the investigation and provided technical and tactical support at the scene.
As of Monday, the wildfire on Canfield Mountain remains active. Due to the severity of the ambush, fire suppression efforts were temporarily halted.
Emergency management officials have urged the public to stay clear of the area.
Sheriff Norris emphasized that while the immediate threat has passed, investigators are combing the scene for evidence, including any potential additional weapons left behind by Roley.
This remains an active investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.