Law Enforcement Pursuit Ends in Driver’s Death, Investigation Underway

POWER COUNTY, Idaho – The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a driver following a law enforcement pursuit on January 30, 2025.

Just before 9 p.m., Idaho State Police (ISP) received information about a welfare check on a male driver described as emotionally distressed, armed, and possibly intoxicated. Working with other law enforcement, Power County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the driver in a white 2019 GMC Terrain and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, initiating a pursuit. ISP troopers joined the pursuit and staged to use spike strips to end the chase. After an unsuccessful attempt to spike the vehicle’s tires, the GMC exited Interstate 86 and stopped on U.S. Highway 30, west of Interstate 86.

After stopping, the driver did not respond to commands to exit. When officers approached, they discovered the individual appeared deceased from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Power County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death and release the individual’s identity. No other injuries were reported.

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

The roadway was closed for almost three hours, impacting local traffic, but has since reopened.

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Posted in District 5 - Southeastern Idaho