Suspect Involved In Officer Shooting Identified And Charged

BOISE, ID — The suspect involved in a pursuit July 11 has been identified as Boise resident Ezra Smith, 25 years of age.

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Smith has now been charged with Assault or Battery Upon Certain Personnel (F), Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer (F), Theft - Grand (F), Property-Malicious Injury to Property (F) in relation to the incident.

Officers served the arrest Tuesday afternoon. Immediately following the critical incident, Smith was transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition.

The Ada County Critical Incident Task Force (CITF) led by the Meridian Police Department is continuing to investigate the officer-involved shooting on July 11, 2021. The involved officers, D. Skube an 8-year-veteran police officer; and R. Denny an 8-year veteran police officer, are on paid administrative leave per department policy.

Smith was the driver identified in a moving van reported stolen Saturday evening. Officers located Smith and the moving van and attempted to make a traffic stop. Officers reported that Smith swerved toward their vehicles as he was leaving the area. Officers initiated a pursuit but due to the high rate of speed, reckless driving behavior, and potential danger to surrounding vehicles the pursuit was terminated.

Smith was later located driving on the 10000 block of Riley Ct. As officers attempted to stop him, officers broadcasted over their radios that Smith rammed his vehicle into one of the patrol vehicles multiple times. As officers attempted to take Smith into custody an officer involved shooting occurred. Officers began performing life-saving care before paramedics arrived.

Smith was transported to the hospital. No officers were injured.

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