NEW MEADOWS, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is recognizing one of their conservation officers after he assisted in capturing a man who was wanted for shooting at deputies. Randy Martinez was off duty and unloading construction materials when he heard gunshots near highway 55 in New Meadows.
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Two Adams County Sheriff's deputies, Nikki Sauerland and Randall Benavides were pinned behind their vehicles. William James was firing at them from a nearby shed. Martinez got a handgun from his vehicle, jumped a highway boundary fence and found cover in a ditch. Once he saw James, Martinez gave direction to the deputies and watched as James moved towards them, still firing his weapon.
Martinez shot several rounds at James, causing him to stop shooting and run. He jumped a nearby fence and disappeared.
Moving west along the highway, Martinez kept James in sight while staying in cover. He stopped a Valley County deputy before they reached a potential line of fire. Martinez also helped evacuate a neighboring house and set up a secure perimeter. Several agencies responded to assist in the situation, including other Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers. James was taken into custody on April 4 without further incident.
Randy Martinez is a 17-year veteran of the Department of Fish and Game and devotes his career to the preservation, protection and perpetuation of fish and wildlife resources in Idaho.
