In a tragic incident, 20-year-old Wess Roley is named as the suspect behind a deliberate ambush that led to the deaths of two firefighters and left another seriously injured while responding to a fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Police Name 20-Year-Old as Suspect in Fatal Firefighter Ambush in Idaho
Police Name 20-Year-Old as Suspect in Fatal Firefighter Ambush in Idaho
Wess Roley has been identified as the shooter in a sniper attack that claimed the lives of two firefighters in Idaho.
Article text: Authorities in Idaho have publicly identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the suspect involved in a deadly sniper ambush targeting firefighters, as reported by CBS News, a trusted partner of the BBC. The tragic events unfolded on Sunday when firefighters arrived to battle a blaze at Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d'Alene, and were met with gunfire, resulting in the deaths of two firefighters and serious injuries to a third.
Investigators believe that Roley may have intentionally set the fire to draw first responders into the area. Following the shooting, a police tactical unit discovered a deceased male close to the scene, believed to be the shooter. While the circumstances surrounding Roley's death remain unclear, authorities have yet to provide insights into his potential motive.
Sheriff Bob Norris described the attack as a premeditated ambush, stating that the firefighters were completely unsuspecting and "did not have a chance." He confirmed the fatalities included one firefighter from Coeur d'Alene and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, while a third is currently in stable condition.
The first alert regarding the fire emerged at approximately 1:21 PM PST. Eyewitnesses reported that within 40 minutes, gunfire erupted targeting the firefighters, escalating the situation significantly. The fire, which initially covered an area of 20 acres, continued to spread into Sunday evening.
Over 300 law enforcement personnel from various agencies, including city, county, and federal units, responded to the scene. Sheriff Norris revealed that Roley allegedly utilized a high-powered rifle to rapidly fire at the first responders, and there were initial uncertainties regarding the number of shooters involved. After enduring a prolonged exchange of gunfire, authorities used mobile phone tracking to locate the suspect. It remains to be seen whether he ended his life or succumbed to injuries caused by law enforcement.
Investigators believe that Roley may have intentionally set the fire to draw first responders into the area. Following the shooting, a police tactical unit discovered a deceased male close to the scene, believed to be the shooter. While the circumstances surrounding Roley's death remain unclear, authorities have yet to provide insights into his potential motive.
Sheriff Bob Norris described the attack as a premeditated ambush, stating that the firefighters were completely unsuspecting and "did not have a chance." He confirmed the fatalities included one firefighter from Coeur d'Alene and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, while a third is currently in stable condition.
The first alert regarding the fire emerged at approximately 1:21 PM PST. Eyewitnesses reported that within 40 minutes, gunfire erupted targeting the firefighters, escalating the situation significantly. The fire, which initially covered an area of 20 acres, continued to spread into Sunday evening.
Over 300 law enforcement personnel from various agencies, including city, county, and federal units, responded to the scene. Sheriff Norris revealed that Roley allegedly utilized a high-powered rifle to rapidly fire at the first responders, and there were initial uncertainties regarding the number of shooters involved. After enduring a prolonged exchange of gunfire, authorities used mobile phone tracking to locate the suspect. It remains to be seen whether he ended his life or succumbed to injuries caused by law enforcement.
