Wess Roley, a 20-year-old Idaho man who once aspired to become a firefighter, carried out a fatal ambush on fire crews, killing two and injuring a third. Authorities are investigating the motives behind this unexpected act of violence, which included luring first responders with a deliberately set fire.
Idaho Firefighter Ambush: A Tragic Twist from Aspiration to Violence
Idaho Firefighter Ambush: A Tragic Twist from Aspiration to Violence
The deadly ambush on firefighters by a man who once idolized them sheds light on a disturbing case of violence against emergency services in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
In a shocking turn of events in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 20-year-old Wess Roley has been identified as the gunman responsible for a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left another injured. Roley, who had previously dreamed of being a fireman himself, lured the emergency responders to a blaze at Canfield Mountain, igniting a tragedy that bewildered friends and family alike.
The incident unfolded when Roley set the fire with the intention of drawing firefighters to the scene. Upon their arrival, he opened fire on Frank Harwood and John Morrison, killing both, while a third firefighter, Dave Tysdal, sustained injuries but is in stable condition. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris revealed that the suspect had set the blaze using a flint found near his deceased body, marking the act as a clear ambush that left firefighters defenseless.
Roley's grandfather, Dale Roley, expressed disbelief over his grandson's actions, stating that Wess had great respect for firefighters and had even sought employment with a fire department. "He loved firefighters... It didn't make sense that he was shooting at them," Dale remarked, questioning whether a recent rejection might have triggered such a drastic change in behavior.
Sheriff Norris noted that the ambush was initiated following a confrontation between firefighters and Roley over the parking of his vehicle, in which he had been living. The incident escalated quickly, with authorities stating that Roley used a high-powered rifle to launch a rapid assault on emergency personnel. The immediate response included over 300 law enforcement officers from various agencies, helicopters deploying snipers, and an intense manhunt that lasted for hours.
Unfortunately, Roley was later found dead, suspected to have turned the gun on himself after the shooting. Investigators have also bound the violence to claims made on social media, clarifying that there is no connection to any extremist agendas, dismissing unfounded conspiracy theories circulated online.
Authorities remain vigilant as they work to piece together Roley's recent life, which included a move from Arizona to Idaho only a few months earlier, supposedly to work for his father's tree-trimming company. As the community mourns the loss of the fallen firefighters, Idaho Governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, paying tribute to the lives lost during this tragic ambush.
