COEUR D’ALENE, ID – Two firefighters were shot and a suspect was found dead after a response to a medical call escalated into violence Wednesday morning in Coeur d’Alene.
- The Incident – Two Coeur d’Alene firefighters were wounded by gunfire while responding to a reported medical emergency on North Government Way.
- The Suspect – Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Tyler R. Rambo, who was later found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police standoff.
- Victim Status – One injured firefighter was treated and released, while the second underwent surgery and is reported to be in stable condition.
The incident, which began as a routine medical response, prompted a major law enforcement operation and has raised questions about the dangers facing first responders.
What Happened During the Initial Medical Call?
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, fire crews were dispatched to an apartment complex on North Government Way for a report of a man having a seizure. According to Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White, when the firefighters arrived on the scene to provide medical aid, the patient, later identified as Tyler R. Rambo, produced a handgun and opened fire.
Two firefighters were struck by the gunfire. The attack happened without apparent warning as the crew was attempting to render aid, turning a medical emergency into an active shooter situation.
How Did Law Enforcement Respond?
Following the shooting, a multi-agency law enforcement response was initiated, including officers from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. Rambo reportedly barricaded himself inside his vehicle in the apartment complex parking lot, leading to a standoff that lasted for several hours.
Police established a perimeter and evacuated nearby residents. Crisis negotiators were brought in to attempt communication with the suspect. The standoff concluded when law enforcement officials approached the vehicle and found Rambo deceased inside from what they described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What is the Status of the Firefighters?
The two injured firefighters were transported to Kootenai Health for treatment. Fire Chief Tom Greif confirmed in a press conference that one firefighter was treated for his injuries and subsequently released from the hospital. The second firefighter sustained more serious injuries that required surgery. Hospital officials have since reported that this firefighter is in stable condition.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and is being led by the North Idaho Critical Incident Task Force, a standard procedure for incidents involving law enforcement and serious injury or death. Authorities have not yet released a motive for the attack.
