KOOTENAI COUNTY—On August 4, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Kootenai County deputies responded to the area of Wolf Creek Lodge Road and East Alder Creek Road following reports of a suspicious male who was armed and had contacted children in the area.
Deputies located and contacted the suspicious male, and he pointed a firearm at a deputy. After pointing a firearm at the deputy, the suspect fled and was tracked by a Kootenai County Sheriff’s K9. The Kootenai County Regional SWAT Team was on scene as the suspect fired several rounds, striking the K9. Several minutes later, a deputy-involved shooting occurred, and the suspect was later pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Robert “Bob” Norris stated, “Our hearts and prayers are with K9 Appa, his handler, and all of the deputy sheriffs and police officers who brought this significant threat to our community to a swift and successful resolution. K9 Appa performed with exceptional courage and professionalism. His actions undoubtedly helped protect our deputies and officers from serious injury or death. On behalf of our community, I want to thank Appa for his outstanding service. Great job Appa! Let this incident serve as a clear reminder to anyone who chooses to violently confront the men and women of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office or our law enforcement partners: our deputies have both the legal authority and the unwavering duty to protect themselves and the public. If an armed suspect presents an imminent threat, our deputies will not hesitate to take any necessary action to end that threat. Our mission is and always be, to protect our community and ensure that our deputies and officers return home safely to their families at the end of every shift.”
The Idaho State Police is conducting the independent investigation of the officer-involved shooting. The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Derek Robert Martin of Bonner County.
