Officer Michael Charles

On November 14, 2002, a suspect from Homedale led officers from several law enforcement agencies on a high speed pursuit, which began in western Canyon County and ended in downtown Boise. The suspect was driving a stolen pickup truck and was in possession of an SKS assault rifle. During this pursuit, the suspect swerved toward officers who were attempting to deploy stop sticks, fired shots at pursuing officers, and struck a police vehicle and two other vehicles occupied by innocent citizens. When the truck the suspect was driving came to a rest near the intersection of Broadway and Myrtle, the man exited the vehicle, assault rifle in hand, and began firing at officers. Boise Police Officer Mike Charles drove his patrol vehicle close to the suspect in an attempt to block him in. Upon observing the suspect taking aim at officers, Officer Charles exited his vehicle and took cover. As gunfire was exchanged between the man and officers on the scene, Officer Charles moved in closer to the suspect and fired two rounds, causing him to fall to the ground. Without regard for his own safety, Officer Charles left his position of cover and fired three more rounds at the suspect, killing him and bringing this incident to an end without further loss of life or injury to his fellow officers or citizens. Officer Charles' extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, reflect great credit upon himself, the Boise Police Department and all Idaho law enforcement officers.