April 2, 2019

PRESS RELEASE

RE:  Male arrested for Burglary and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, followed by Escape attempt and Vehicle Burglary

At approximately 4:15am this morning, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the 4600 Block of McCowin Ln. where residents reported an attempted theft of a motorcycle from a building.  As Deputies arrived they located a vehicle parked near the property that had been stolen out of the Burley area.  Deputies searched the area and were able to find a male hiding in some water in the bottom of a nearby canal.  The male was taken into custody and identified as 42 year old Thomas E. Wirth of Idaho Falls. 

     Due to Wirth suffering from hypothermia symptoms, he was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) for treatment and a clearance for jail.  At approximately 8:00am Wirth was cleared for release and placed in handcuffs and leg irons and secured in a patrol car.  While the transporting Deputy was returning a wheel chair to just inside the building entrance, Wirth kicked out the side window to the patrol car and fled. 

     Multiple Deputies and Idaho Falls Police Officers responded to the area to search and an AlertSense Emergency Notification was sent out to nearby residences.  A short while later Idaho Falls Police Officers located Wirth hiding inside a nearby vehicle where he began resisting officer’s attempt at taking him back into custody.  During this time a Taser was deployed that allowed Officers to Subdue Wirth and secure him in a patrol car. 

     Wirth was transported to the Bonneville County Jail where he was booked for Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of Stolen Property, all Felonies in relation to the attempted theft of the motorcycle and the stolen vehicle located earlier on McCowin Ln.  Additionally Wirth was booked for Felony Escape, Vehicle Burglary and Misdemeanor Resisting and Obstructing related to the incident at EIRMC.