SOUTH BOISE, Idaho — The Office of Police Accountability released a report this week concurring with the Owyhee County Prosecuting Attorney that the fatal shooting of Jeremiah Gaver by deputies on Jan. 24, 2024, was justified.
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The early morning incident began near the intersection of W. Amity Road and S. Cole Road when Ada County Deputy Colton McKone observed 37-year-old Gaver loitering near closed businesses while wearing a tarp and holding an object. Deputy McKone attempted to make contact, but Gaver was unresponsive and walked away.
Watch the full body cam footage here.
Upon observing more suspicious behavior, including looking into residential backyards, McKone initiated a citizen stop with Deputy Michael MacLeod. Gaver remained unresponsive to commands, so officers deployed a taser. After stabbing two K-9s and continuing to reach for his knife, officers fired 14 rounds at Gaver, who was struck 9 times. The report says that officers attempted lifesaving measures, but Gaver died as a result of the gunshot wounds.
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The report notes that Gaver showed several indicators that he was going through a mental health crisis. A month prior to the shooting, a BPD Behavioral Response Team officer encountered Gaver and sent out his photo and a warning to multiple agencies, though he was unidentified at the time.
The report also says that "supervisors should have taken time to research the bulletin while the incident was static," adding that although it may not have changed the outcome, it "could have helped frame an approach to resolving the incident without the need to use force."
Additionally, the report says that officers were too close to the suspect and did not attempt to gain any distance or cover, with one officer "unnecessarily" placing himself in danger.
