OFFICER’S NAME RELEASED: Idaho Falls Police Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting Identified

EDITOR’S NOTE: Graphic Video Footage Released – Viewer Discretion Advised

Published: [Current Date]

IDAHO FALLS, ID – The Idaho Falls Police Department has released the name of the officer involved in a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this month. Officer Oscar Rosales has been identified as the officer who discharged his weapon, resulting in the death of a 29-year-old male.

Officer Rosales, who has been with the Idaho Falls Police Department for the past two and a half years, has been placed on paid administrative leave as per department protocol. The incident, which took place on January 8, 2022, has sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Incident: What Led to the Fatal Shooting

According to a news release from the Idaho Falls Police Department, officers were initially searching for a man named Wyatt Landon in the area of 4th Street and South Lee Avenue. Officer Rosales was assigned to watch a residence associated with Landon, who had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. These warrants included charges such as felony possession of a controlled substance, felony unlawful possession of a firearm, and misdemeanor domestic battery.

At approximately 3:10 a.m., Officer Rosales initiated a traffic stop on a white Mazda pickup truck near the intersection of 3rd Street and South Lee Avenue. The stop was made due to an obstructed license plate, a traffic violation. Unbeknownst to the officers at the time, Landon was a passenger in the vehicle. Upon identification, Landon fled from the scene on foot.

The Confrontation: Exchange of Gunfire

Officer Rosales, positioned on 4th Street in an unmarked vehicle, observed Landon running towards his location. Rosales exited his vehicle and shouted commands to Landon. However, Landon, who was armed with a handgun, fired at Rosales, prompting the officer to return fire in self-defense. The entire incident unfolded in a matter of seconds.

Body camera footage released by the Idaho Falls Police Department shows Landon lying on the ground in the snow, his firearm visible nearby. Officers at the scene immediately apprehended Landon and administered life-saving measures. Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported Landon to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigation and Legal Justification

The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force conducted an investigation into the incident. It was determined that Landon’s firearm was only capable of firing one shot, as the magazine had been lost during his attempt to flee the traffic stop. The investigation also revealed that Officer Rosales acted in self-defense, as he was responding to being shot at by Landon.

Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal reviewed the case and announced that Officer Rosales’ actions were legally justified. In a statement, Neal commended Rosales for his bravery and confirmed that officers are acting in self-defense when they return fire at individuals shooting at them.

Past Incidents and Gang Affiliation

This incident marks the second officer-involved shooting in Idaho Falls within a span of 35 days. The previous shooting occurred on December 4, 2021, near the Candlewood Suites Hotel and resulted in the death of Marcos Cortez. Both Landon and Cortez were believed to be affiliated with a local gang. Authorities revealed that Landon had expressed a desire to go out in a gunfight with the police, similar to Cortez.

Reaction from Officials and Family

Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson expressed admiration for the bravery exhibited by the officers involved in both incidents. He emphasized their dedication to protecting the community and supporting their fellow officers in the face of danger. Chief Johnson also stated that Landon’s family declined to watch the body camera footage, but they were provided with an overview of the events and had the opportunity to ask questions.

Conclusion and Continuing Investigation

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to gather all relevant evidence. The Idaho Falls Police Department remains committed to transparency and providing updates as new information becomes available. As the community mourns the loss of a life, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers in their line of duty.