Around 7 pm officers were responding to the 7000 block of Overland for a report of a possible DUI/reckless driver in a moving van. Citizens reported seeing damage on the vehicle indicating that it may have been involved in a collision. Upon further investigation, officers learned that the van was reported stolen. Officers located the driver and the moving van nearby and attempted to make a traffic stop. Officers reported that the suspect swerved toward their vehicles as he was leaving the area. Officers initiated a pursuit but due to the high rate of speed, reckless driving behavior, and potential danger to surrounding vehicles the pursuit was terminated. The suspect vehicle was later located driving on the 10000 block of Riley Ct. As officers attempted to stop the driver, officers broadcasted over their radios that the suspect rammed his vehicle into one of the patrol vehicles multiple times. As officers attempted to take the suspect into custody an officer involved shooting occurred. Officers began performing life-saving care before paramedics arrived. The suspect has been transported to the hospital. No officers were injured. The investigation is ongoing and the suspect will likely be facing multiple felony charges.
The Ada County Critical Incident Task Force (CITF) led by the Meridian Police Department has been activated to investigate the shooting. Officers body camera video will be reviewed as part of the investigation. The information in this news release is considered preliminary pending the results of the CITF investigation.