POWER COUNTY, Idaho – The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a driver following a police pursuit northwest of Pocatello on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Just before 9 p.m., the Idaho State Police received information about a welfare check on a male driver described as emotionally distressed, armed, and possibly intoxicated, according to a press release. Working with other law enforcement, Power County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the driver in a white GMC Terrain and attempted a traffic stop.
The driver allegedly 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 I-86.
Idaho State Police report that after stopping, the driver did not respond to commands to exit the truck. 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.