Executive Summary
- Gem County Prosecutor Erick B. Thomson clears Officer Strodtbeck in Nov. 2024 shooting.
- Incident involved a reported hostage situation and an armed suspect in Boise.
- Independent review by Ada County Critical Incident Task Force supported the findings.
- Officer found to have acted in self-defense under Idaho law.
BOISE, Idaho — A Boise police officer has been legally cleared of wrongdoing following a review of a fatal shooting that occurred during a reported hostage standoff in November 2024, according to findings released by the Gem County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Gem County Prosecuting Attorney Erick B. Thomson stated in a letter dated August 22 that Officer Strodtbeck’s use of lethal force was justified under Idaho law. The decision follows a comprehensive investigation into the November 10, 2024, incident involving suspect Guadalupe Reyes in the Boise Bench neighborhood. Consequently, the prosecutor determined that criminal charges are not permitted in this case.
The review utilized evidence collected by the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force, led by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. This evidence included detailed investigative reports and body-worn camera footage. The Boise Police Department has since indicated that the relevant footage is available for public viewing to ensure transparency.
According to the prosecutor’s findings, law enforcement responded to a call regarding Reyes, who was allegedly armed with a knife and threatening to kill a neighbor inside an apartment. Officers were informed that Reyes had recently been released from medical care following a suicide threat. During the standoff, a wounded man exited the apartment, after which Reyes reportedly approached the threshold wielding a knife.
Investigators noted that Officer Strodtbeck fell backward while attempting to issue commands and subsequently discharged his weapon, striking Reyes. Despite immediate attempts at life-saving measures, Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomson cited Idaho statutes in concluding that the officer held a reasonable belief of imminent danger.
Investigative Findings
The determination by the Gem County Prosecutor concludes the criminal review of the use of force in this incident, validating the officer’s actions under state self-defense laws. This finding aligns with a separate report from the City of Boise Office of Police Accountability, reinforcing the procedural adherence during the volatile hostage situation. The closure of this case highlights the function of independent task forces in evaluating officer-involved shootings to maintain public trust in law enforcement accountability.
