At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, a gunman entered the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace, Idaho, and opened fire inside the lobby and at two women outside, injuring three people before law enforcement ended the attack. The shooting, which has been described as a tragic day for the small town, left an officer with a nicked ear and two women with leg injuries.
Incident Overview
The incident unfolded in the public lobby of the sheriff’s office, which was open to visitors at the time. Sheriff William Eddy reported that the suspect entered the lobby and began firing, immediately striking an officer and two women who were seated in a pickup truck parked outside. The officer sustained a minor injury that was described as a “just nicking” of the ear, while the two women were hit in the legs. All injuries were classified as minor. “The suspect entered the sheriff’s office lobby and began firing,” Sheriff William Eddy said at a news conference.
According to Sheriff Eddy, the suspect was pronounced deceased at 4:15 p.m., roughly an hour and a half after the initial shots were fired. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the suspect’s name had not been released to the public as of Friday evening. The timeline of events, including the exact moment the suspect entered the lobby and the sequence of shots, remains under investigation, with authorities still piecing together the details.
Shooting Details
The gunman’s first act was to open fire in the sheriff’s office lobby, a space that was accessible to the public. The officer who was struck described the impact as “just nicking” the ear, indicating a close-range shot that missed a more serious wound. The suspect’s presence in the lobby was brief but deadly, as he fired multiple rounds before law enforcement intervened.
Outside, the suspect targeted two women sitting in a pickup truck. One woman was seated in the front seat and the other in the back seat; both were struck through the windshield, each sustaining leg injuries. Sheriff Eddy said the women were hit in the leg, and their injuries were also deemed minor. The shooting left the vehicle and its occupants shaken, but no serious injuries were reported.
Response and Investigation
Law enforcement agencies from surrounding jurisdictions, as well as the FBI, responded to the scene shortly after the shots were fired. Sheriff Eddy noted that police from other agencies were on the scene, indicating a coordinated response to the incident. The suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement officers before any further harm could be inflicted.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to establish a clear timeline and determine any possible motives. Sheriff Eddy stated that more information about the suspect’s background and the events leading up to the shooting is not immediately available. The case remains under active investigation as officials seek to understand what prompted the gunman to target the sheriff’s office and the two women outside.
Community Impact
Wallace, a small town of approximately 800 residents located about 80 miles east of Spokane, Washington, has been deeply affected by the shooting. The town’s close-knit community was shaken by the sudden violence, and local residents have expressed concern for the safety of their public spaces. The incident has sparked conversations about gun safety and community vigilance.
Local officials and residents are calling for increased security measures at public buildings and for community outreach to prevent future tragedies. Sheriff William Eddy has emphasized the importance of swift law enforcement response and the need for cooperation among agencies to protect citizens. The town’s residents are also looking for answers about the suspect’s identity and motives.
Key Takeaways
- A gunman entered the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office lobby at 2:30 p.m. and fired at an officer and two women outside.
- The suspect was killed by law enforcement, and all three injured parties suffered only minor wounds.
- The investigation is ongoing, with the suspect’s name and motives still unknown.
While the town of Wallace mourns the violence that disrupted its quiet life, the swift action of law enforcement has prevented a potentially larger tragedy. As authorities continue to investigate, residents remain hopeful that answers will emerge, and that steps can be taken to safeguard their community against future incidents.
