Deadly Confrontation Follows Highway Dispute in Rural Idaho
PAYETTE COUNTY, Idaho — A 32-year-old man from Oregon was shot and killed Monday morning after a violent road rage encounter escalated into a physical confrontation, according to the Payette County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began on the morning of September 15 when two vehicles traveling west on Interstate 84 exited at Black Canyon Road and continued south on Sand Hollow Road. The vehicles were identified as a white Nissan Frontier pickup and a white Kia Optima sedan.
Authorities say both vehicles came to a stop after the Kia, driven by Charles Vincent Avery of Salem, Oregon, blocked the road. Avery exited his vehicle and confronted the 71-year-old driver of the Nissan, a Boise resident.
Physical Altercation Leads to Fatal Shooting
According to law enforcement, Avery damaged the Nissan’s side mirror and attempted to break the driver’s side window before opening the vehicle’s door. The driver of the Nissan, stating he feared for his life, fired a weapon, fatally wounding Avery.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but Avery succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported by air ambulance. The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office is currently reviewing the case. As of September 16, no charges have been filed.
Eyewitness Footage Captured Moments Before Shooting
Bruce Keeley, a nearby resident, told reporters that his home surveillance cameras recorded part of the encounter. Keeley described how the Kia sped past the pickup and abruptly slammed on its brakes, nearly causing a collision. Both vehicles swerved off the road momentarily before returning to the pavement.
Keeley shared the footage with investigators but declined to release it publicly, citing the active investigation. He noted that he observed broken glass and car parts on the roadway, and damage to the Kia, suggesting contact occurred before the shooting.
Multiple Agencies Assisting in Investigation
The investigation is being handled by the Payette County Sheriff’s Office with support from the Payette Police Department, Fruitland Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho State Police.
No additional suspects are being sought at this time. Authorities have not released further details regarding the firearm used or whether it was legally owned.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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