In a recent incident, an ambush in Idaho killed off two dedicated firefighters. They became the first responders to a brush fire in Canfield Mountain, and faced a targeted ambush. Officers confirmed that the suspect used high-powered rifles to carry out the ambush. However, the officers later found the suspect dead along with the firearm. Furthermore, the incident shocked the community people and raised questions about the motive behind the incident.
Ambushed Firefighters While Responding to Canfield’s Call
A deadly ambush took place near Canfield Mountain in Idaho where two firefighters from the U.S. Forest Services were shot and killed. The officers responded to the incident which appeared to be a brush fire that took place outside the area called Coeur d’Alene.
According to the law enforcement, the firefighters went to the scene expecting a small fire. However, when they started investigating the place, the suspect started an open fire with a high-powered rifle. They started the shooting without any warning, killing off both the men before they could even defend themselves.
The officers also confirmed that the fire alarm was a trap to lure the first responders in that area. Thus, the crew members from the emergency department rushed to the area after the ambush took place, but they failed to save the firefighters.
The officers discovered the body of the unidentified shooter near the incident place, but identify remains unknown. The firearms near the dead body suggested that he took off his own life after the ambush. Thus, the officers are now looking into their backgrounds and motives behind the attack.
Suspects Dead Along with Firearms
The suspect who orchestrated the ambush was found dead just after the incident. The body of the man was discovered in a woody area which is not very far away from the place of attack. The police also recovered the rifle next to the body.
The suspect was identified as Jason C. Stinson, a 56-years old man and a local resident of Coeur d’Alene. The authorities later confirmed that the man died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Furthermore, officers said that he used a high-powered firearm to shoot down those U.S. Forest Service firefighters after responding to a brush fire on Saturday. After the ambush took place, he moved further into the forest and then took his own life.
The investigators recovered the rifle next to the dead body of the suspect as it matched the one used in the ambush. Meanwhile, detectives are now investigating the background of Stinson, along with analyzing his mental health records as well as previous run-ins with the law enforcement.
Until now, the officers didn’t release any official statement on the motive behind the incident. However, they are now actively searching for his home, communicating with the neighbours, and analyzing digital records to find out what triggered him to commit such an atrocity.
Motive Behind the Attack
As the ambush took place near the Canfield Mountain shocked not only the local community but also first responder agencies in Idaho. As the investigation moves further, the authorities are willing to uncover the entire truth on why Jason C. Stinson carried out such a deadly incident.
Furthermore, the law enforcement officers are adding up all missing pieces on the suspect’s background and reasons for the attack. They are investigating several areas such as:
- Mental Health Records: Officers are investigating if the suspect was suffering from health health issues. They are examining every medical record and contacting anyone who might have seen anything unusual before the shooting incident.
- Any Personal Grievances: Investigators suspect that Stinson had any past disputes with the firefighters, local authorities, or other law enforcement officers that lead to any resentment.
- Anti-Law Emotions: According to social media records, Stinson held hostile behavior towards the government agencies. Such information is confirmed by preliminary searches by the officers. Furthermore, the officers are investigating social media posts as well as other online evidence for threats or extremist views.
- Planned Ambush: The brush fire was used to lure the two firefighters indicating that the attack was premeditated. Thus, the attack is seen as a planned act of criminal activity instead of spontaneous act.
Veteran Victims Identified in Idaho
Investigators identified the two brave firefighters as Deegan Hill, 23 and Brayden Knapp, 20. They both held good experience as wildland firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service Department. The highly dedicated officers vowed to protect the natural lands of Idaho.
Hill and Knapp came as first responders when they heard brush fire on Saturday. Thus, the shooting took place without any warning while they tried to stop the fire outside Coeur d’Alene, catching them off guard completely. Let’s learn about the two victims:
- Brayden Knapp: Knapp resided near Priest River, dedicated himself to Forest Services for the last 2 years. His colleagues described him as brave, hardworking, and highly dedicated towards his job. He recently finished his advanced fire behaviour training, and praised his potential to become a leader.
- Deegan Hill: Hill resided in Post Falls and he worked with several fire seasons across Montana and Idaho. His co-workers and friends said he was highly dedicated towards wildland firefighting and loved his role. Furthermore, he also wanted to become a full-time engine boss in the near future.
Both the firefighters showed strong dedication as well as served in Idaho Panhandle National Forest’s fire department. The colleagues confirm they work together previously and knew every area of Canfield Mountain.
No Ongoing Threat, Confirmed by Law Enforcement
After the ambush took place that took off two firefighter’s lives, law enforcement officers confirmed that there is no ongoing threat anymore. Further details from the authorities are:
- Area Searched & Secured: The wooden area where the suspect’s body was found was quickly secured by state, local, and federal agencies. Law enforcement departments like search teams and SWAT, combated the area to exclude any additional threats or suspects. Thus, they found no other suspect.
- No Further Violent Activities: After analysing the area thoroughly and communicating with nearby people, they didn’t find any evidence related to further danger. Thus, the investigators believed that the attack was a planned and isolated act.
- Trails & Fire Zones Respond Cautiously: Few recreational trails as well as access roads were closed temporarily due to the investigation. However, few of the zones were reopened after strictly monitoring the area. Thus, the officers urges the neighbours to stay cautious and report anything unusual.
Conclusion
The sudden ambush near Canfield Mountain shocked the residents and Idaho’s firefighter community. As the officers investigate the motive behind such an act, they confirm there are no more threats. The sacrifice and bravery of Brayden Knapp and Deegan Hill will be honored and remembered in every state of the United States.
About The Author
