updated10/11/23 at 4:00pm: The female driver of the suspects' car has been identified by the Ada County Coroner as Tylisha Evans, 22, of Payette. Evans died of injuries sustained in the crash.
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Ada County Critical Incident Task Force is investigating a theft and pursuit that started in Meridian and ended with one of the suspects dead.
Police in Meridian responded to the situation on October 10 which left Eagle Road closed between Franklin Road and Pine Road starting around 6:30 pm.
While investigating the scene Police reported a critical incident fatality, but further details were withheld until a press conference, which took place at 8:30 pm that same day.
We will be holding a press conference at 8:30pm at the Meridian Police Department (1401 E Watertower St.) regarding this evenings Critical Incident Fatality on Eagle Rd. and Franklin Rd.
— Meridian Police Dept (@PoliceMeridian) October 11, 2023
At the press conference, the Meridian Police Department explained that the incident began as a theft at the Village at Meridian involving two male suspects. Police became involved with the incident at approximately 5:30 pm, responding to a theft in progress involving a white female and two Hispanic males.
Police say they then encountered the suspect's vehicle, which was reported as stolen from Ontario, Oregon. The car was being driven by the female suspect.
When officers activated their overhead lights, the suspect driver veered to the left into oncoming traffic, crashing into several vehicles in the northbound lanes process. The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene.
While police were assessing the injuries of the citizens in the other vehicles, one of the Hispanic male suspects stole a security vehicle from the Village. Officers located the vehicle and quickly engaged in a pursuit which was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
According to police, the suspect evaded state police and eventually made his way across the Oregon state border.
Because police action was involved in the fatality, the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force has been activated, with the Ada County Sheriff's Office leading the investigation.
Meridian Police are asking for anyone with video of the incident, or information on the two male suspects, to contact them on the non-emergency dispatch, 208-377-6790 or via email at acsofeedback@adacounty.id.gov.
