Idaho sheriff's deputy, 27, is shot and killed by 65-year-old man in traffic stop where cop 'never made it to the window' before he was brutally gunned down

An Idaho sheriff's deputy was tragically shot and killed during a routine traffic stop on Saturday night, authorities said. 

Deputy Tobin Bolter, 27, was approaching a driver's window when he was gunned down by a 65-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed.

Bolter was rushed to Saint Alphonsus Medical Regional Center in Boise, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Sunday.

Following the shooting, the 65-year-old suspect, who was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant, fled the scene in a gray Chevy Suburban, according to the Ada County Sheriff's Office.

When the police tactical unit located the suspect outside a residence, he once again opened fire at officers, prompting an officer to return fire and shoot him dead. 

Deputy Tobin Bolter, 27, was tragically shot and killed during a routine traffic stop on Saturday night, authorities said

Bolter was approaching a driver's window when he was gunned down by a 65-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed. Authorities were seen on the shooting scene 

Bolter had seven years of law enforcement experience and had been with the sheriff's office since January 2024. Officers were seen in procession to honor Bolter

During an emotional press conference, Sheriff Matt Clifford announced Deputy Bolter's death, noting that he was the first sheriff's deputy in Ada County to be killed in the line of duty.

Bolter pulled over the gray Chevy Suburban at around 8:55 pm on Saturday evening, but he never made it to the window as the driver shot him and sped away. 

A witness who saw the brutal shooting called 911 and rushed to the deputy to perform CPR until medics arrived. Bolter was later pronounced dead. 

About 30 minutes after the shooting, Boise police were able to locate the suspect's vehicle unoccupied and found the 65-year-old outside a home. 

The suspect refused to surrender and opened fire at officers sometime after midnight. 

One officer returned fire and fatally shot the suspect. 

Nearby residents were either warned to stay inside or told to evacuate, Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar said. 

Bolter had seven years of law enforcement experience and had been with the sheriff's office since January 2024, authorities said. 

Bolter worked with Meridian Police Department in Connecticut and Pleasant Hill Police Department in California before joining the force in Ada County. 

Clifford thanked the medical team and the citizen who performed CPR on Bolter and called law enforcement on Saturday. 

During an emotional press conference, Sheriff Matt Clifford announced Deputy Bolter's death, noting that he was the first sheriff's deputy in Ada County to be killed in the line of duty

Family members and supporters of law enforcement officers were seen at a march to honor and remember Deputy Bolter 

Bolter worked with Meridian Police Department in Connecticut and Pleasant Hill Police Department in California before joining the force in Ada County. A temporary memorial featuring Deputy Bolter’s patrol vehicle was set up in front of the Ada County Sheriff's Office

'I think it goes to show what kind of community we live in where there are evil people that will do evil things but there are good people that help us and come to our aid,' he said. 

Across the state of Idaho, U.S. and Idaho flags have been lowered to half mast until the day following Bolter's memorial service. 

"Our hearts break for the family, loved ones, and law enforcement colleagues of Deputy Tobin Bolter,' Governor Brad Little said. 

'Day in and day out, our brave men and women in blue put themselves in harm's way to protect us and keep our communities safe. Idaho is grieving this devastating loss,' he added.