NOTE: This update is posted on behalf of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office  

MAY 16, 2024

UPDATED NEWS RELEASE

CUSTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RELEASES UPDATE ON WEEKEND SHOOTING INCIDENT AND STANDOFF

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the weekend incidents that resulted in the arrest of 47-year-old Curtis Lee Caton. Caton is currently being held in the Lemhi County jail on felony charges of Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle. Has been arraigned and is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

“First and foremost, I am thankful we were able to reach a peaceful resolution without any loss of life or serious injury in our community,” said Sheriff Levi Maydole. “I want to thank my team for their professional response in securing the scene until additional resources could be brought in. I also want to thank my colleagues in the Idaho Sheriff’s Association, especially those from Bonneville, Bingham, Bannock, and Caribou Counties, along with the Blackfoot Police Department, who all responded upon request with personnel and equipment to help us address the situation appropriately. This is a great example of the need for strong working relationships and continued collaboration with our local and regional law enforcement partners who can assist rural counties such as ours, which do not possess the manpower or resources necessary to handle these types of incidents on our own.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and there is potential for additional charges. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available, however, some information may be kept confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation and potential prosecution. Once the investigation is complete, the Sheriff’s Office will submit our case findings to the Custer County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and charging decisions.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

NOTE: This release is posted on behalf of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office regarding an incident BCSO SWAT and Southeast Idaho STAR Team assisted with  

May 12th, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

RE: Man arrested after standoff with Deputies.

A man was arrested following a standoff with Deputies at a Challis residence today. The incident began last night near Summit Circle and Blue Mountain Rd. at approximately 11:25pm when dispatch received a call that a man had shot at their vehicle. Apparently a disturbance involving several juveniles and 47 year old Curtis Lee Caton resulted in Caton firing a weapon toward them as they left. A short while later, parents of the juveniles went to the area but were met with gunfire from Caton into their vehicle. The rounds penetrated the interior of the vehicle nearly striking the occupants however there were no injuries.

Deputies contacted Caton at his residence on Summit Circle at approximately 12:51am to ascertain the details of what happened. Mr. Caton slammed the door and refused to continue speaking with Deputies. A 23 year old female was inside of the residence at that time.

Deputies created a safety perimeter around the residence while assistance was requested from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Team. As personnel arrived on scene and communications continued, the 23 year old female inside the residence was eventually released. Additionally, the Southeast Idaho S.T.A.R. Tactical Team consisting of Deputies from Bingham, Bannock and Caribou Counties and the Blackfoot Police Dept. also responded with additional personnel and resources as negotiations continued through the morning.

After approximately 6 hours of negotiations with Deputies, Mr. Caton agreed to surrender peacefully and was taken into custody. Mr. Caton was transported to the Custer County Jail and booked on Felony charges for Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle before being transported to the Lemhi County jail for holding. Further charges related to the incident are pending as the investigation continues. There were no injuries to witnesses or Deputies as a result of the events and the area was reopened at approximately 3:30pm.

Custer County Sheriff Maydole would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as Deputies worked to keep the situation contained, ultimately resulting in a peaceful outcome. We appreciate the response and resources from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. and Southeast Idaho S.T.A.R. tactical teams working with our Deputies for a successful resolution.

The investigation is continuing and no further information is available at this time.