A devastating incident unfolded in Boise, Idaho, as Deputy Tobin Bolter, 27, lost his life in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop on Saturday night.
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office reported that Deputy Bolter had pulled over a gray Chevy Suburban just before 9 p.m. As he approached the driver’s window, he was shot by the driver, later identified as a 65-year-old man wanted on a misdemeanor warrant.
Despite efforts by a witness who called 911 and rushed to perform CPR, Deputy Bolter succumbed to his injuries at Saint Alphonsus Medical Regional Center in Boise the following day. His tragic death marks the first time a sheriff’s deputy has been killed in Ada County while on duty, according to Sheriff Matt Clifford.
The suspect fled the scene, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Boise police located the suspect’s vehicle unoccupied and later found him outside a residence. Refusing to surrender to the police’s tactical unit, the suspect opened fire on officers, resulting in a confrontation during which he was fatally shot.
Amidst the chaos, a second deputy en route to assist Deputy Bolter was involved in a two-vehicle crash. The injured deputy was hospitalized in stable condition, while the status of the other driver remained uncertain.
Speaking at an emotional press conference, Sheriff Clifford expressed gratitude to those who aided Deputy Bolter and emphasized the resilience of the community in the face of tragedy.
Deputy Bolter, with seven years of law enforcement experience, had recently joined the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and had previously served with the Meridian Police Department and Pleasant Hill Police Department in California.
Idaho Governor Brad Little ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Deputy Bolter, acknowledging the sacrifice made by law enforcement officers to ensure public safety.
The loss of Deputy Tobin Bolter serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily in protecting their communities. Idaho mourns the devastating loss of a dedicated public servant, and efforts to honor his memory and support his family and colleagues continue.