News Flash

Press Release – CPOR Violation Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

On Monday, September 25, 2023, at approximately 9:23 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies located controlled substances on an individual being booked into the Blaine County Detention Center for Violation of a Civil Protection Order, I.C. 39-6312.

Carlos Manuel Cabrito, age 50 of Bellevue, Idaho, was additionally charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), and misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, I.C. 37-2734A(1)

Cabrito remains in the custo...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Saturday, September 23, 2023, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near milepost 127, south of Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Shaylee M. Scherer, age 31 of Twin Falls, Idaho, was arrested and charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance Less Than Three Ounces – Marijua...

Press Release – Suspended License Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

On Friday, September 15, 2023, at approximately 12:43 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Treasure Lane, north of Hailey, Idaho.

Upon investigation, deputies determined that Gabriel Chavez Toscano, age 32 of Nampa, Idaho, was driving on a suspended license. Toscano was arrested for misdemeanor Driving without Privileges, I.C. 18-8001. 

During a tow inventory incident to arr...

Press Release – Injury Rollover Crash Closes Highway

On Sunday, September 10, 2023, at approximately 4:51 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a rollover crash with injuries on State Highway 75 near Baseline Rd. in Bellevue, Idaho.

Upon investigation, deputies observed a 2008 silver Ford Escape laying on its roof facing west of the shoulder of the southbound lane, broken wooden fence posts, and a sheared-off wooden telephone pole lying on the ground near the Ford. A live electrical ...

Press Release – Mid-Valley Felony DUI Arrest

On Sunday, September 3, 2023, at approximately 11:24 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies performed a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Alturas Rd., north of Hailey, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Jesse Santos Vercelli, age 25 of Hailey, Idaho, was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence, 18-8004(1)(A)(F), and misdemeanor Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol, 23-505(1) and cited for misdemeanor Driving...

Press Release – Bellevue Felony DUI Arrest

On Saturday, August 27, 2023, at approximately 2:52 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Kirtley Street, in Bellevue, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Elia Guadalupe Pacheco, age 31 of Austin, TX, was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)(A)(F), misdemeanor Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol, I.C. 23-505, and misdemeanor Driving Without...

Press Release - Update on Lion's Park Shooting Suspect

On Saturday, September 2, 2023, at approximately 4:40 PM, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office arrested William R. Butler, a 72-year-old male from Hailey, Idaho, for Attempted Murder under Idaho State Code 18-4001 and 18-306.

The victim in this case, Michael A. Bosse, a 34-year-old male from Hailey, Idaho, was flown to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho on September 2, 2023, and was later transferred to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah...

Press Release - Update on Lion's Park Shooting Incident

On the afternoon of Saturday, September 2, 2023, the Blaine County Sheriff's Office arrested the suspect in the shooting incident that occurred in Lion's Park on Friday, September 1, 2023.

No further information is being released at this time.

Sheriff Steve Harkins

Posted 5:20 p.m. 09/02/2023

Press Release - Possible Shooting Correction/Update

Shooting Info Correction - At 11:26 a.m., on September 1, 2023, Deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and the Hailey Police Department were initially dispatched to a welfare check after a report of someone yelling for help.

After arriving on the scene, it was determined the subject had a gunshot wound and was transported for medical care.  

JOINT PRESS RELEASE - Homicide/Officer-Involved Shooting

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, at approximately 6:03 a.m. officers from the Bellevue Marshal’s Office, Hailey Police Department, and Blaine County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in Bellevue, Idaho for a report of a possible homicide.

Upon their arrival, a Bellevue Deputy Marshal became engaged in an officer-involved shooting with a suspect and confirmed the presence of a deceased individual on the property, the apparent victim of homicide. The injured suspect was flown via air ambulan...

Press Release – Attempted Strangulation Arrest

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at approximately 2:14 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a campground site off Trail Creek Rd., north of Ketchum, Idaho for a 911 hang-up and possible domestic violence.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the suspect was no longer at the location. Deputies were able to locate the suspect at his job site in Hailey, Idaho. Williams Robert Leon, age 44 of Hailey, Idaho was arrested and charged with felony Attempted S...

Press Release – High-Speed Chase in Carey

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at approximately 5:38 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies began a pursuit of a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on U.S. Highway 26 near the Blaine and Butte County line.

The vehicle, a blue 2023 Chevrolet 1500 U.S. Government-issued truck, led officers on a chase traveling at speeds up to 110 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on the highway and 90 MPH in a 35 MPH zone in Carey, Idaho, passing vehicles and refusing to pull over. Deputi...

Press Release – Felony Possession of Marijuana Arrest

On Monday, July 31, 2023, at approximately 10:41 p.m., a Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 20 near milepost 175, approximately 1 mile east of Stanton’s Crossing.

Upon investigation, a cooler with three large bags of marijuana, twelve containers of THC gummies, and drug paraphernalia was located in the vehicle. Matthew Gregory Bambach, age 31 of Jackson, Wyoming, the sole occupant was arrested and charged with felo...

Press Release – Traffic Stop Yields Felony Drug Arrest

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at approximately 9:43 p.m., a Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Gimlet (milepost 124).

Upon investigation, Teresa Kimberly Ann Owen, age 35 of Sun Valley, Idaho, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)(A)(M), and misdemeanor Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle, I.C. 23-505-(...

Press Release –Failure to Appear Warrant Yields Felony Drug Arrest

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at approximately 11:46 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at a residence in Bellevue, Idaho to serve a misdemeanor bench warrant for Failure to Appear on a Reckless Driving charge.

The suspect, Fernando Chavez Zavala, age 38 of Bellevue, Idaho, was located sleeping in his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and taken into custody on the warrant. During a consented search of his vehicle incident to arrest, controlled substances ...

Press Release – Second Excessive DUI Leads to Felony Arrest

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, at approximately 2:59 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies were notified of a citizen complaint of a reckless driver on State Highway 75 near Deer Creek Rd. in Hailey, Idaho.

Based on the description of the vehicle, officers were able to locate the driver and perform a traffic stop. 

Upon investigation, Marlene Lisbet Perez, age 42 of Hailey, Idaho, was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence &...

Press Release – Felony Domestic Violence with Traumatic Injury

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, at approximately 9:32 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies interviewed a self-reporting victim of domestic battery at the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office regarding an incident that had occurred the previous evening.

Upon investigation, Joe Louis Pool, age 44 of Gannett, Idaho was subsequently arrested and charged with one felony count of Domestic Violence with Traumatic Injury, I.C. 18-918.

Pool was arraigned in Magistrate Court on July 28, 2023, where the court order...

Press Release – Felony Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child Arrest

On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at approximately 10:46 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Ketchum residence for a follow-up to a 911 hang-up with possible crying in the background.

Deputies were initially told that everything was ok at the residence by the suspect. 

Upon investigation, deputies were able to locate the crying victim and three juvenile children in the residence. Carlos Rogelio Quinto Bruno, age 34 of Ketchum, ...

Press Release – Driver and Passenger Arrested

On Saturday, July 15, 2023, at approximately 4:43 p.m., a Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on Main Street in Bellevue, Idaho.

During the traffic stop, it was determined that the passenger had a felony warrant from Ada County for Larceny. Kamlesh Kumar Negi, age 36 of Boise, was taken into custody on the felony warrant. 

It was also determined that the driver, Fernanda Li...

Press Release – Warrant Arrest for Felony Domestic Battery

An individual wanted on a felony warrant stemming from an incident that occurred on May 29, 2023, at a Magic Reservoir Lava Point campsite was arrested and transferred into Blaine County Detention Center custody over the weekend.

Adam Richard Pullin, age 36 of Twin Falls, Idaho, was arraigned Monday morning, July 10, 2023, in Blaine County Magistrate Court for felony Domestic Battery in the Presence of a Child, I.C. 18-918(4). The judge ordered Pullin to be held without bond.

&...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Saturday, July 8, 2023, at approximately 1:29 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on Sun Valley Rd. in Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Ryan Thomas Melvin, age 25 of Boise, Idaho, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence – Excessive, I.C. 18-8004C, felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), and misdemeanor Po...

Press Release – Trailer Burglary

On Monday, July 3, 2023, at approximately 3:43 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a man trespassing in a trailer at the Silver Creek East campground in Picabo, Idaho.

When deputies arrived, the suspect was no longer in the trailer, but they received a description of the individual from the reporting party who was camping nearby. Deputies canvassed the campground and located the individual from this description. Scott T...

Press Release – Aggravated DUI Sends Family of Five to Hospital

On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 3:44 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision with injuries on U.S. Highway 20 at Gannett Rd. in Bellevue, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a family of five from Grosse Point, Michigan, was traveling westbound on Hwy 20 in a 2015 Honda Odyssey when Christopher Bruce Simms, age 38 of Bellevue, Idaho, traveling eastbound turned left onto Gannet Rd. dire...

Press Release – Parking Accident Leads to Felony DUI

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a minor two-vehicle parking accident on 4th Street in Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Kimberlee Ann Howard, age 63 of Ketchum, Idaho was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence, I.C.18-8004(1)(C). 

Howard has prior felony DUI convictions in 2004, 2009, and 2017. Howard is in the custody of t...

Gimlet Flood Evacuation Level Notifications Lifted

Effective June 20, 2023, the Blaine County Sheriff has lifted all Flood Evacuation Level Notifications for properties in the Gimlet subdivision.

Press Release – Three Vehicle Collision

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 4:19 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a three-vehicle collision on State Highway 75 near Neils Way south of Ketchum, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a 40-year-old male from East Magic Idaho was traveling northbound on Hwy 75 in a 1995 silver Dodge RAM 2500 when traffic ahead of him backed up and he was forced to stop in the roadway. An 85-year-old female drivi...

Press Release – Single Vehicle Carey Crash

On Friday, June 16, 2023, at approximately 9:56 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies were notified that a driver involved in a crash at an unknown location was being taken to the Carey Rural Fire Dept. for transport to the hospital for his injuries.

The crash was later determined to have occurred on Little Wood Reservoir Rd. in Carey, Idaho. Crash scene investigation determined that a 1998 silver Buick Le Sabre over-steered around a slight right curve, went off the roadway, hitting a wooden pole, a b...

Press Release – Failure to Yield Causes Junction Crash

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, at approximately 3:48 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a collision at the State Highway 75 and U.S. Highway 20 junction.

Crash scene investigation determined that a 2019 white Ford Escape, driven by an 87-year-old male from Bowie, Maryland, failed to yield while turning northbound on Hwy 75 from the west side of Highway 20. A 31-year-old female traveling southbound on Hwy 7...

Press Release – UTV Passenger Air Lifted to Hospital

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 3:23 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a UTV crash in Muldoon Canyon near the intersection of Martin Canyon east of Bellevue, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a 44-year-old male from Southlake, Texas, was driving a black Polaris Razor Pro side by side with a 52-year-old female, also of Southlake, Texas. The driver stated they were traveling east from Bellevue when lost ...

Press Release – Felony Domestic Battery Arrest

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 11:14 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies respond to a domestic battery in progress on Cliffside Dr. near Broadway Run in Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Francisco Lave Oregon Laveriano, age 42 of Hailey, Idaho, was arrested and charged with one count of felony Domestic Battery with Traumatic Injury, I.C. 18-918 against a 34-year-old female victim, and one count of misdemeanor Battery, ...

Press Release – Bellevue Couple Arrested on Trafficking Charges

On Thursday, June 8, 2023, at approximately 2:15 a.m., members of the Blaine County Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop at the junction of State Highway 75 and U.S. Highway 20 in southern Blaine County.

The traffic stop was part of an ongoing NET investigation. The driver, Fernando Penagos, age 68 of Bellevue, Idaho, was arrested and charged with one felony count of Drug Trafficking - Methamphetamine, I.C. 37-2732B, one felony count of Possessio...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 4:40 p.m., a Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 20, approximately one mile east of Gannett/Picabo Rd.

Upon investigation, controlled substances were found in the vehicle. The passenger, Vickie Lee Jenkins, age 57 of Idaho Falls, was charged with two felony counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), and one misdemeanor count of Pos...

Press Release – Felony Eluding Arrest

On Sunday, June 4, 2023, at approximately 4:07 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a reckless driver eastbound on U.S. Highway 20.

The vehicle, a 2010 Ford Econoline moving truck, was allegedly passing unsafely, running other vehicles off the road, failing to maintain its lane, and nearly missing oncoming traffic. When deputies located the vehicle, they observed the van traveling at ...

Press Release –Hailey Woman Battles with Deputies

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a bar on Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho for a report of an intoxicated woman causing issues with other patrons.

During the investigation, the intoxicated woman resisted, head-butted, struck, and kicked at officers. Terry Lee Hart Capone, age 75 of Hailey, Idaho, was charged with three felony counts of Assault on Battery on Certain Personnel, I.C. 18-915, and one mi...

Evacuation Level Changes for Gimlet

Effective 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the Blaine County Sheriff has made the following changes to flood evacuation areas in Gimlet.

Properties on Gin Ridge Rd. which have been under Mandatory Evacuation Orders (previously highlighted in Green) are now changed to Set Pre-Evacuation status (now highlighted in Yellow). Idaho Power is working to restore power to these residences. Set stat...

Press Release – Inmate Charged with New Felony

On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at approximately 3:19 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s patrol deputies were called into the Blaine County Detention Center to assist Detention Deputies with a report of drugs being introduced into the Jail.

Kevin Joseph Flynn, age 43 of Bellevue, Idaho, who was in custody on a felony warrant in a separate case, was charged with one felony count of Introduction of Major Contraband into a Correctional Facility, I.C. 18-2510(3) and one misdemeanor count of Intr...

SECOND MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERED FOR GIMLET

Gin Ridge Rd. homes now under Mandatory Evacuation.

At the request of the North Blaine Fire Dept., the Blaine County Sheriff has ordered the MANDATORY EVACUATION of the following properties on GIN RIDGE RD. in the Gimlet Subdivision, south of Ketchum, ID effective Saturday 5/20/23:   &...

GIMLET PRE-EVACUATION NOTICE

NEW PRE-EVACUATION ALERT: The Blaine County Sheriff has issued the following PRE-EVACUATION NOTIFICATIONS to homes in the Gimlet area due to flooding:

READY STAGE: Residences highlighted in RED on Wilderness Dr. are being set to the Ready stage, as flood waters are starting to cover the roadway. The READY Stage is the time to begin preparing your home and family to evacuate.  

Pack&...

FLOOD EVACUATION UPDATE:

THREE ADDITIONAL RESIDENCES ADDED TO THE HAILEY MANDATORY FLOOD EVACUATION ORDER ...

At the request of the Hailey Fire Dept., the Blaine County Sheriff has added THREE ADDITIONAL RESIDENCES TO THE MANDATORY FLOOD EVACUATION ORDER in the Della View subdivision of Hailey. (highlighted in GREEN on the map)

New Evac Order:

• 411 War Eagle Dr.
• 1050...

Flood Evacuation Order Issued in Hailey

At the request of the Hailey Fire Dept., the Blaine County Sheriff has issued a MANDATORY FLOOD EVACUATION ORDER for ....

... the following addresses highlighted in GREEN in the Della View subdivision of Hailey:

• 510 War Eagle Dr.
• 910 War Eagle Dr.
• 911 War Eagle Dr.
• 920 War Eagle Dr.
• 1020 War Eagle Dr.
• 1021 War Eagle Dr.
• 1030 War Eagle Dr.
• 1031 War Eagle Dr.

LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.&nbs...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on 2nd St. at Washington Avenue in Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Matthew Pennell Parris, age 47 of Clinton, MT, was arrested and charged with one felony count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance Less Than Three Ounces -Marijua...

Press Release – T-Bone Crash Near Smiley Creek

On Friday, May 12, 2023, at approximately 10:26 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff's deputies responded to a two-vehicle T-Bone style crash with injuries on State Highway 75 near Smiley Creek Lodge in northern Blaine County, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a 42-year-old Dietrich man was driving a 2015 white Ford commercial van northbound on Hwy 75 with a juvenile passenger. As the van came around the curve into Smiley Creek, a 1996 red Ford Ranger truck, driven by a...

Press Release – Inmate Damages Jail Cell

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at approximately 11:39 p.m. Blaine County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies were called into the Blaine County Detention Center to assist BCSDO Detention Deputies with an inmate who was destroying property within the Jail.

Johannes S. Achhorner, age 44 of Ketchum, Idaho, who is currently in custody on felony Assault or Battery upon Certain Personnel, became combative, flooding his cell, kicking, and damaging equipment within the cell, ripping a surveillance camera from the ...

Press Release – BCSO Deputy Assaulted

On Monday, May 8, 2023, at approximately 5:43 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an individual causing problems at a business in Ketchum, Idaho involving a knocked-over motorcycle.

While investigating the incident the subject became uncooperative and physically assaulted one of the deputies. Johannes S. Achhorner, age 44 of Ketchum, Idaho, was arrested and charged with felony Assault or Battery upon Certain Personnel, I.C. 18-915.

Ac...

Press Release – Rollover Injury Crash on Hwy 20

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, at approximately 6:29 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a rollover single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 20 approximately two miles east of State Highway 75.

Crash scene investigation determined that David Kay Hamilton, age 23 of Blackfoot, Idaho was traveling east on U.S. 20 in a blue 1994 Nissan Sentra when for unknown reasons he failed to negotiate a sweeping curve in the roadway and traveled off the road o...

Press Release –Welfare Check Results in Felony Arrest

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, at approximately 8::07 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies assisted by Hailey Police Officers responded to a welfare check at a residence in Hailey, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Kerry Scott Landrum, age 51, was arrested and charged with felony Aggravated Assault, I.C. 18-905, felony Attempted Strangulation, I.C. 18-923, felony Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)(A)(F), misdemeanor Battery, 18-903, and...

Press Release –Felony Drug Arrest

On Monday, May 1, 2023, at approximately 11:16 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies performed a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Treasure Lane, north of Hailey, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Walker Kendrick Royston was arrested and charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone), I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance (MDMA), I.C. 37-2732(C)(3), and misdemeanor Possession ...

Press Release – Father and Son Felony Arrests

On Friday, April 7, 2023, Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies had multiple interactions with a father and son that eventually led to felony charges for both. Deputies were called to a mid-valley residence for a report of a battery at approximately 1:15 a.m.

Upon investigation, it was determined that a verbal argument between friends had turned into a physical altercation, but the suspects were no longer at the residence. Deputies quickly located the vehicle from the 911 description and arrested Denton W. Coe...

Press Release – Felony Domestic Battery Arrest

On Friday, March 31, 2023, at approximately 10:04 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in Ketchum, Idaho for a report of a domestic battery.

On investigation, Ashlyn Nicole Conlin, age 28, was arrested and charged with felony Domestic Violence with Traumatic Injury, I.C. 18-918. 

Conlin was arraigned in Magistrate Court Monday afternoon, and later released on a $3,000 bond.

Steve Harkin...

Press Release – Active Warrant Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at approximately 1:57 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Treasure Lane north of Hailey, Idaho.

The driver and sole occupant, Daniel Clinton Shipp, age 47 of Bellevue, Idaho was determined to have an active misdemeanor warrant for Failure to Appear. 

During an inventory search for towing controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were foun...

Press Release – Single Vehicle Rollover

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 5:02 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover on U.S. Highway 26 near milepost 217.

Upon investigation, it was determined that a 32-year-old male from Rigby, Idaho was driving a blue 2006 Chevrolet Colorado truck eastbound on Hwy 26. The driver reported swerving to miss a deer in the road and then losing control of the vehicle, skidding ...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on Idaho State Highway 75 near milepost 110 south of Bellevue, Idaho.

Upon investigation, it was determined the driver Jeffrey Wayne Phillips, age 53 of Layton, Utah, was driving on a suspended license. Phillips was issued a misdemeanor citation for Driving Without Privileges, I.C. 18-8001-(1)(b), and given a verbal warning...

Press Release –Probation Visit Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 12:39 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies assisted an Idaho State Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Officer with a home visit to a non-compliant probationer in Bellevue, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Kevin Joseph Flynn, age 43, was arrested and charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), and misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, I.C. 37-2734A(1). Flynn was also charged with a felony probati...

Press Release – Citizen Report Leads to Felony DUI

On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at approximately 9:09 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies were notified of a citizen report of a possible intoxicated driver traveling south on Main Street in Hailey, Idaho.

Deputies located the described vehicle in Bellevue and initiated a traffic stop. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Adam Michael Stine, age 32 of Celina, TX. 

Upon investigation, deputies determined that Stine was drivin...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at approximately 1:41 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on Main St. in Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, deputies arrested John Patrick Comerford, age 58 of Wilton, CT, for misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)(D). During a search incident to arrest, controlled substances were found in the vehicle and on Comerford.&...

Press Release – Felony Child Enticement Arrest

On Thursday, March 2, 2023, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Joseph David Frye, age 23 of Bellevue, Idaho.

Based on information from an ongoing investigation, Frye was charged with one count of felony Enticement of a Child Over the Internet or Other Communication Device, I.C. 18-1509A.

Frye was arraigned in Magistrate Court Thursday afternoon where the Judge se...

Press Release – Inmate Charged with Felony Injury to Jail

On Sunday, February 26, 2023, at approximately 3:50 a.m., a Blaine County Sheriff’s patrol deputy was notified that there was an uncooperative inmate at the Blaine County Detention Center who was damaging jail property.

Upon investigation, Michael James Kocsis, age 26 of Phoenix, AZ, who had been arrested earlier that night on an unrelated misdemeanor charge, was charged with felony Injury to Jail, I.C. 18-7018, for vandalizing a security camera within his holding cell.

K...

Press Release – Bellevue Man Arrested for Third Felony DUI

On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at approximately 9:27 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies performed a traffic stop on Main Street at Maple St. in Hailey, Idaho.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Express van, was identified as Gordon Chase Dawson, age 63 of Bellevue, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Dawson was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)(A)(F),...

Press Release – Felony Drug Arrest

On Monday, February 20, 2023, at approximately 8:42 p.m. Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies performed a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Hospital Drive, south of Ketchum, Idaho. Upon investigation, controlled substances were found in the vehicle.

Donald James Owens, age 36 of Salmon, Idaho, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana Less than Three Ounces, I.C. 37-273...

Press Release – Felony Methamphetamine Possession Arrest

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, at approximately 1:09 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies performed a traffic stop on State Highway 75 near Serenade Lane in Ketchum, Idaho that led to a felony drug arrest.

Deputies determined two women were driving in a silver 2008 BMW from North Dakota to Boise but had reportedly gotten lost along the way. Upon investigation, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia in plain view in the vehicle. Upon a probable cause search,...

Press Release –Felony Domestic Violence Arrest

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, at approximately 8:12 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center for a report of a domestic assault.

Upon investigation, deputies determined that the assault had occurred earlier that night at a residence in Blaine County, Idaho and the victim had driven herself to the hospital. 

Based upon a probable cause affidavit, a warrant was issued for Bri...

Press Release – Driver Nearly Misses Roadside Deputy

On Monday, January 30, 2023, at approximately 12:37 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies observed a 2011 white GMC Sierra driving erratically and failing to move over for a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights.

The vehicle nearly missed a BCSO deputy performing a separate traffic stop on the side of State Highway 75. Deputies performed a second traffic stop on the Sierra at State Highway 75 north of East Fork Rd. The driver and sole occupant of the Sierra was id...

Press Release – Bellevue Man Facing Five Felony Drug Charges

On Friday, January 20, 2023, Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies and Blaine County Narcotics Team officers arrested Juan Valentin Ortiz-Avila, age 38 of Bellevue, Idaho.

Ortiz-Avila has been charged with three felony counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, I.C. 37-2732B, two counts of felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine, I.C. 37-2732(A)(1)(A), one misdemeanor count of Possession of a Drug Paraphern...

Press Release – Collision with SVPD Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

On January 20, 2023, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies were notified by a Sun Valley Police Dept. officer that a SVPD patrol vehicle had been in a collision with another vehicle on State Highway 75 at Elkhorn Rd.

Both vehicles were traveling north on Hwy 75. The SVPD Officer reported that the driver of a white 2019 Ford Econoline van appeared intoxicated, had drifted into his lane, and collided with his patrol vehicle. Neither of the drivers was injured but the pa...

Press Release – Single Vehicle Rollover Crash

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at approximately 8:59 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on State Highway 75 near milepost 149, south of Galena Lodge.

Deputies discovered a white 1993 Toyota single-cab pickup truck laying on its side in the middle of the highway blocking the northbound lane. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as a 17-year-old male from Fairfield, Idaho. ...

Press Release – Deputies Stop Residential Burglary in Progress

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at approximately 9:05 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a residence in Ketchum, Idaho.

Deputies were able to locate the suspect in his vehicle at the residence. Upon investigation, it was determined the suspect’s vehicle contained seven bottles of alcohol with a value of $750-$1,000 each, which had been removed from the residence. During a ...

Press Release – Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies performed a traffic stop on Hospital Drive, in Ketchum, Idaho which resulted in a felony drug arrest.

Deputies identified the driver as Ariel Ashley Perez, age 43 of Hailey, Idaho. Perez was determined to have an active Blaine County misdemeanor warrant for Failure to Appear and placed under arrest. During an inventory search of the vehicle incident to ar...

Press Release – Black Ice Crash Takes Out Power Pole

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 7:42 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 75 at milepost 105.5, south of Bellevue, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a gray 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 25-year-old male from Shoshone, Idaho, was traveling southbound on Highway 75 with a 38-year-old male passenger when they hit black ice in the roadway causing them to lo...

Press Release – Felony DUI Arrest

On Friday, December 23, 2022, at approximately 12:37 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies and Officers of the Hailey Police Dept. responded to a report of an intoxicated driver stuck in a snow embankment on Buttercup Dr., near West Meadows Dr.

Upon arrival, deputies observed a white 2000 Ford F250 truck blocking the southbound lane and an indentation in the snowbank where the truck had gone off the road. 

The driver was identified as Lisa Maurine Chaney, age 62 of Hailey, ID. Upon inves...

Press Release – Cattle Truck Rollover

On Sunday, December 11, 2022, at approximately 7:54 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle semi rollover on U.S. Highway 26 near milepost 216, east of Carey, Idaho.

The crash investigation determined that a 2001 Peterbilt semi-truck with a cattle trailer, driven by a 30-year-old male from Cut Bank, MT, was traveling westbound on Hwy 26 when it left the roadway on the right shoulder while negotiating a left turn in th...

Press Release – Two-Car Collision on Sun Valley Rd.

On Monday, December 5, 2022, at approximately 10:19 a.m. a Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol came upon a two-vehicle crash on Sun Valley Rd. at Second Avenue in Ketchum, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a 1999 silver Ford F-350 with an attached snowplow, driven by a 17-year-old male from Shoshone, Idaho was traveling south on Second Avenue when it began sliding through the stop sign and into the intersection. The...

Press Release – Double Fatality Crash

On Thursday, November 17, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a crash on Little Creek Rd. approximately 1.75 miles from Austin Rd. in Carey, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation that a 2011 silver Dodge Ram 3500 truck was traveling southbound on Little Fish Creek Rd near the Water Cress campground when for an unknown reason it went off the west shoulder of the road after a sweeping left turn. The truck r...

Press Release – Semi vs. Car Collision

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, at approximately 1:43 p.m. Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a semi vs car collision at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Main Street in Carey, Idaho.

Crash scene investigation determined that a 66-year-old male from Jerome, Idaho was driving a 2001 brown Freightliner semi-truck with double grain trailers southbound on Main Street when a 2008 silver Ford Edge ran a stop sign and pulled out in front of t...

Press Release – Investigation Results in Three Felony Charges

On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Carl Rudy Geissler, age 42 of Hailey, Idaho on three felony charges related to a 3-week investigation involving a reported lost or stolen debit card.

Deputies and Detectives determined that Geissler used the debit card at approximately seventeen local businesses in fraudulent transactions totaling over $5,000. Geissler was charged with Grand Theft, I.C. 18-2403, Possession of a Financial Transaction Ca...

Press Release – Felony Sexual Assault Arrest

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Raul Sixto Chamorro-Sanchez, age 48 of Ketchum, Idaho, on two felony charges related to two separate sexual assaults on two different victims.

While investigating a reported sexual battery that allegedly occurred on October 24, 2022, detectives became aware of a second victim who reported being assaulted on August 11, 2022 by the same assailant. 

Chamorro-Sanchez was charged with felony ...

Press Release – Ketchum Man Charged with Two Felonies

On Saturday, November 12, 2022, at approximately 1:02 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the Meadows Trailer Park, south of Ketchum, Idaho for a report of a possible domestic battery.

Upon investigation, it was determined that James Steven Buntain, age 58 of Ketchum, Idaho, had reportedly threatened his girlfriend with a Smith and Wesson 9 mm. handgun and fired the weapon into the floor during an argument. Buntain was arrested for felo...

Press Release – Sun Valley Snowplow Accident

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded by request to an accident involving a Sun Valley snowplow that occurred on the bike path adjacent to Village Way in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Upon investigation, it was determined that Damon Gottlieb Vergel, age 42 of Hailey, Idaho was driving the plow heading southbound on the bike path when the plow struck a metal cap and pipe on the path. The cap and pipe were not visible because they were c...

Press Release – Mountain Rides Bus Crashes into Vehicle

On Monday, November 7, 2022, at approximately 6:41 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a bus versus car collision on State Highway 75 near Rainbow Bend, south of Ketchum, Idaho.

The crash involved lane blockage, injuries, and a pinned driver. Upon investigation, it was determined that a full-size Mountain Rides bus traveling northbound on Hwy 75 and driven by Hortencia Aguilar-Venegas, age 47 of Richfield, Idaho, lost control, cr...

Press Release – Three Vehicle Crash

On Monday, November 7, 2022, at approximately 5:58 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash with injuries and lane blockage on State Highway 75 near Alturas Drive.

Crash scene investigation determined that Brandon E. Franklin, age 25 of Alachua, Florida, was driving northbound on Hwy 75 in a red 2020 Toyota Camry when he lost control in the snow and slid across the highway colliding head-on into a silver 2007 Honda ...

Press Release – Felony DUI Arrest

On Sunday, October 30, 2022, at approximately 3:23 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies received a report of a possible intoxicated driver.

Deputies located the vehicle and suspected driver on Broadway Run just off Highway75 near Cliffside Drive in Ketchum, Idaho.

Upon investigation, Cesar Percy De La Cruz Santos was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)...

Press Release – Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Arrest

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, at approximately 11:34 p.m., a Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop which resulted in a felony arrest.

Joshua Charon Jones, age 34 of Ketchum, Idaho, was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence, I.C. 18-8004(1)(A)(F), two felony counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, I.C. 18-3316, misdemeanor Resisting and Obstructing an Officer, ...

Press Release – Injury Crash Leads to DUI

On Friday, October 14, 2022, at approximately 3:28 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a crash on Broadford Rd near the Star Bridge, west of Hailey, Idaho.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the driver of a white 2011 Equinox failed to negotiate the curve after the Star Bridge, drifted left of center, drove off the east side of the road, jumped a culvert, and struck a fence. 

The driver, Naye...

Press Release – Felony Cocaine Arrest

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Eisham Odell Azlon Fair, age 18 of Bellevue, Idaho, on one felony and three misdemeanor charges.

Fair was charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance Cocaine, I.C. 37-2732(C)(1), misdemeanor Minor Forbidden to Enter, Remain, or Loiter at a Licensed Place, I.C. 23-943, misdemeanor Failure to Present Identification at a Licensed Place, I.C...