Tragedy struck as a 20-year-old man, who idolized fire crews, shot at Idaho firefighters, killing two and injuring a third.
**Idaho Firefighters Targeted in Deadly Ambush by Man Who Once Wanted to Be One of Them**
**Idaho Firefighters Targeted in Deadly Ambush by Man Who Once Wanted to Be One of Them**
A resident lured firefighters into a deadly trap; motive remains unclear.
In a heartbreaking twist of fate, a 20-year-old man from Idaho, who once aspired to be a firefighter, became the perpetrator of a tragic ambush that claimed the lives of two brave firefighters and left a colleague critically injured. The attack unfolded on Sunday at Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d'Alene, where Wess Roley allegedly ignited a fire to draw emergency responders into a deadly situation.
Authorities have revealed that Roley orchestrated the ambush with chilling intent, as they discovered a flint near his body believed to have been used to ignite the flames. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris shared insights into Roley’s former admiration for firefighters, stating, “He loved firefighters,” and baffled over the violent turn his admiration took. Roley's grandfather reported that he had shown interest in joining a local fire department and respected law enforcement.
The deadly encounter began when firefighters approached Roley, who was reportedly living out of his vehicle, to request that he relocate it. Following this interaction, Roley opened fire on the first responders without any warning. Tragically, both Frank Harwood and John Morrison lost their lives in the attack, while Dave Tysdal remains hospitalized but in stable condition.
The ambush prompted an extensive response from law enforcement, involving over 300 officers and aerial support as they worked to neutralize the threat. Initial confusion surrounded the nature of the attack, leading authorities to believe multiple shooters might be involved. However, following an exhaustive search, investigators confirmed Roley acted alone and later died by apparent suicide.
As officials investigate the sequence of events leading to the standoff, they hope to uncover the motive behind Roley’s drastic actions, which remain uncertain. Idaho’s governor has mandated that flags be flown at half-mast in remembrance of the fallen firefighters, a somber tribute to heroes who dedicated their lives to saving others. The Nettleton Gulch fire subsequently expanded to 26 acres, but no properties are currently at risk as teams continue suppression efforts.
Authorities have revealed that Roley orchestrated the ambush with chilling intent, as they discovered a flint near his body believed to have been used to ignite the flames. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris shared insights into Roley’s former admiration for firefighters, stating, “He loved firefighters,” and baffled over the violent turn his admiration took. Roley's grandfather reported that he had shown interest in joining a local fire department and respected law enforcement.
The deadly encounter began when firefighters approached Roley, who was reportedly living out of his vehicle, to request that he relocate it. Following this interaction, Roley opened fire on the first responders without any warning. Tragically, both Frank Harwood and John Morrison lost their lives in the attack, while Dave Tysdal remains hospitalized but in stable condition.
The ambush prompted an extensive response from law enforcement, involving over 300 officers and aerial support as they worked to neutralize the threat. Initial confusion surrounded the nature of the attack, leading authorities to believe multiple shooters might be involved. However, following an exhaustive search, investigators confirmed Roley acted alone and later died by apparent suicide.
As officials investigate the sequence of events leading to the standoff, they hope to uncover the motive behind Roley’s drastic actions, which remain uncertain. Idaho’s governor has mandated that flags be flown at half-mast in remembrance of the fallen firefighters, a somber tribute to heroes who dedicated their lives to saving others. The Nettleton Gulch fire subsequently expanded to 26 acres, but no properties are currently at risk as teams continue suppression efforts.
