Idaho State Police Officer Shot In Twin Falls

Breaking Updated:

An armed suspect, about 30 years of age, is holding at least one hostage inside a Twin Falls Hotel. Authorities say the incident started with a routine traffic stop at around 8:00 this morning after the officer suspected the driver had been drinking. The suspect drove off and the chase ensued. Speeds during the chase reached at least  hundred miles per hour.  One witness says that the suspect hit a parked recreational vehicle with his vehicle. There is a report that a woman was inside the RV and suffered minor injuries. At least one other vehicle, an SUV, was also hit during the chase. Officer Luke Allen with the Twin Falls police department says there was also a passenger inside the suspect’s vehicle and is in police custody. The suspect entered the Hampton Inn at around a quarter after eight. An Idaho State Police officer was shot in the leg at some point during the chase, and taken to a local hospital.  There are reports that there has been at least one more victim. Two Swat teams are on scene and negotiations are underway with the suspect. Police say they believe he is either in a room or a staircase on the third floor of the south side of the hotel. The area around the hotel has been cordoned off and police ask that you avoid the area near the Hampton inn on Fillmore. The Hotel, nearby Chevron parking lot, and nearby Holiday Inn Express has been evacuated. Hotel patrons have been relocated to a local church. News Radio 1310 KLIX will be following the story through out the day and will have more information as it becomes available.