ISP Dispatchers recognized for critical role in locating kidnapping victim

On June 16, 2025, Idaho State Police (ISP) Regional Communications Officer Thomas Conrad and Senior Regional Communications Officer Jamielyn Rupe played a critical role in the safe recovery of a victim and the arrest of a kidnapping suspect in Lewis County.

The incident began after law enforcement was notified of a welfare concern involving a young woman at a local business who indicated she needed help and stated she was not safe. However, the woman left the location before law enforcement arrived, leaving behind only limited identifying information. The available details included a phone number and a photo of the woman with an unknown male. With no confirmed direction of travel and minimal information available, locating her would be difficult.

Conrad and Rupe immediately began working to identify the individuals involved and determine the victim’s possible whereabouts. As the situation developed, investigators contacted the victim, who stated she was being held against her will under dangerous circumstances. Through careful review of available information and law enforcement resources, Conrad and Rupe connected key details that ultimately led officers to the suspect and victim at a residence in Kamiah.

Due to credible threats and the elevated risk to both the victim and responding officers, the Idaho State Police SWAT team was dispatched. During the response, investigators spoke with the victim, and she was able to free herself and escape immediate danger. SWAT later took the suspect into custody, and he was charged with kidnapping.

ISP Trooper Welling emphasized the importance of the communications officers’ actions, stating, “What they did was simply outstanding. They are force multipliers, enabling troopers on the road to do their jobs effectively. Without their work, the victim would have remained in serious danger.”

For their exceptional professionalism, persistence, and commitment to public safety, Regional Communications Officer Thomas Conrad and Senior Regional Communications Officer Jamielyn Rupe were presented with Distinguished Achievement Awards.

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho