Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee was relieved of his duties Friday by Mayor Lauren McLean amid unrest from the police union, investigative news reports from several legacy media agencies, a potential lawsuit from an injured officer, which included a criminal investigation into his personal actions.

According to reports, Lee will be on “paid leave” until October 14, but former Assistant Chief Ron Winegar has already been named acting chief.

Lee hired several “command staff” from Portland–his former place of employment. He also brought in commanders from the Bay Area of California. Put bluntly, the department is in disarray and veteran captains and officers have retired early, quit to work for lower wages at other agencies, and even spent huge sums to qualify for the state PERSI retirement program.

Rather than list the litany of complaints and incidents alleged against Lee, the GUARDIAN will once again renew our plea for a citizen advisory police commission and offer insight and opinions garnered over more than 50 years of intense contact and scrutiny with Boise PD. We have met frequently over the years with officers and the chiefs to share views on behalf of the citizens of Boise.

Here are some points that should be followed in any future hiring decisions.

–The citizens of Boise need to be represented with a police commission comprised along the same organizational lines as the airport, park, P&Z, Library, Public Works, commissions. BPD is the single biggest consumer of tax dollars and citizens have no formal voice in the operation or budget decisions. We deserve better. Even the U.S. Department of Defense is managed by civilians with a staff of military experts.

–The mayor and council have forgotten the citizens when it comes to policing. They talk with the union (including Friday prior to firing the chief), but they seem to forget the citizens. The union deserves to be in the equation, but it appears they are driving the decision process.

–Today’s police executive needs to be capable of managing a budget in excess of nearly $80 million. Duties include fleet management, personnel and legal issues, training, site selection, politics, community relations, etc. In short: there are not many coppers who are qualified to run an $80 million corporation.

–A new police chief needs to reflect the values of the community, so we are not enthusiastic about a “nationwide search” for a new chief. Likewise, there are many pitfalls in promoting from within because friendships and biases can interfere.

–An executive with Boise or Idaho ties would be ideal. In short: a police chief can be a civilian manager with a staff of expert coppers in the command staff. Former U.S. Senator Frank Church who was chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee once told me, “About anyone can decide most foreign policy, BUT it takes an expert to implement it.” We have similar views on a new police chief. We need someone who understands the needs of the officers AND the public, not necessarily a gun toting copper who is at the end of his career.

Frazier is a 54 year resident of Boise. He was the police beat reporter for the Statesman, a police officer, and state of Idaho Law Enforcement Planning Commissioner.

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE

At about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th, an Idaho State Police trooper was dispatched to a reported hit and run collision near milepost 204 on I-84 in Minidoka County, Idaho. The trooper was advised that a 2006 Toyota Sequoia collided with a 2008 Ford F-350 pickup.

Additional information indicated that the Sequoia driver ran from the scene but soon thereafter returned and attempted to steal the F-350. When the pickup driver refused to hand over his keys, the suspect poured gasoline on the F-350 and set it on fire. When a passerby in a GMC Sierra stopped to help extinguish the flames, the suspect stole his vehicle. The suspect, driving the stolen Sierra, struck the passerby while fleeing the scene.

A Heyburn Police officer responding to the incident attempted using spike strips on the Sierra, but the suspect avoided the strips and continued driving. The Heyburn officer pursued the Sierra, which exited the freeway. Once off the freeway, the suspect maneuvered the Sierra and intentionally collided with the Heyburn Police vehicle, a 2013 Ford Taurus.

Both vehicles were damaged and stopped. The officer contacted the suspect as he exited the Sierra and unsuccessfully attempted a Taser application (shot and shock). The suspect stole the police vehicle and tried to run over the officer. The officer fired multiple shots into the police vehicle, striking the suspect as he drove away.

About a mile later, the police vehicle became inoperable due to damage sustained during the collision and the suspect ran into a cornfield. Officers located the empty vehicle and contained the area. A police K-9 was deployed and located (bit) the suspect nearby.

The suspect, a 39-year-old male from Kemmerer, WY, was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Minidoka Memorial Hospital for a gunshot wound and K-9 “contact injuries.” (bites and scratches?) The suspect was medically cleared and booked into the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center on probable cause for arson (I.C. 18-802) for lighting the F-350 on fire, grand theft (I.C. 18-2407(b)(1) for stealing the Sierra, a second count of grand theft for stealing the Heyburn Police vehicle, and aggravated battery (I.C. 18-907(1)(b) for striking the driver of the Sierra with the Sierra.

He was also charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer (I.C. 18-915) for using the stolen Sierra to crash into the Heyburn Police vehicle, as well as a count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (I.C. 18-915) for attempting to run over the Heyburn Police officer. He was later issued additional citations for reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property damage crash, and failure to wear a safety restraint.

The injuries to the suspect were considered non-life threatening and he remains in jail. No medical update is available.

No injuries were reported by the involved Heyburn Police officer, an 8-year veteran. He is on administrative leave per Heyburn City policy.

The driver of the GMC Sierra, a 42-year-old Ammon, ID man, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There is no update on his medical condition. The Sierra sustained extensive damage when it collided with the Heyburn Police vehicle.

The driver of the burned Ford F-350 involved in the original collision, a 43-year-old male from Twin Falls, was not injured during the incident.

It is unknown why the incident occurred, and detectives continue investigating. Additional charges may be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office.

The Critical Incident Task Force (CITF) is conducting the investigation. CITF is a team of investigators and professional staff from the Idaho State Police and local law enforcement agencies who provide investigative and other assistance to law enforcement agencies in police use of force and other critical incidents. The CITF works with the local Prosecutor’s Office for review of completed investigations.

The GUARDIAN had just finished lunch nearby and responded to the fire long before Boise Fire units arrived. It turned out to be at least a three alarm fire with 3 battalion chiefs, 3 ladder trucks, 9 engines, and assorted support vehicles on scene.

Here are exclusive GUARDIAN photos.

High ambient temperatures as well as the intense heat from the fire caused firefighters to rotate assignments and “rehab” to prevent heat stroke. There were at least three Ada County EMS ambulances on scene, but no injuries were reported so far.

Common sense prompted the GUARDIAN to question the wisdom of floating the river if it results in such a demand on Boise Fire rescue services. The Ada County commishes had already asked the question of Koberg, prompting the memo he sent them. Koberg noted the Monday opener of the float season was the busiest ever. He also said the opening was conducted after the Boise FD had cleared obstructions and the flow of 1,300 – 1,500 cfs is within the historically appropriate range for floater recreation.

The news from BFD along with Koberg’s comments beg a few questions:
–Should Boise and Ada Parks provide lifeguards like they do at pools?
–Is the BFD claim of 4 life saving events in 5 hours accurate?
–Will the BFD have a crew on the river every day? Is it necessary?
–How much are specialty skill firefighters paid hourly?
–With so many rescues in such a short period should the float be banned?

RESPONSE FROM BOISE FIRE OFFERS MORE DETAILS.
Here is the Boise Fire Department’s statement to your questions:

The beautiful Boise River bifurcating our city is the jurisdiction of the Idaho Department of Water Resources and therefore the City of Boise does not have any legal authority to regulate float traffic on the river. The Boise Fire Department (BFD) and Boise Parks and Recreation assist with mitigating hazards created by the ever-changing landscape along the river. While the river looks calm and serene, one of the things that makes the river so dangerous is the vegetation density that can entangle rafts and floaters. The Boise Fire Department makes every effort to mitigate these evolving hazards to make it as safe as possible for people to recreate. However, it should be noted that it is never completely safe when floating a wild river. This is why we try to encourage floaters to all wear well-fitting and United States Coast Guard approved life jackets for all floaters, regardless of age.

There can be any number or reasons leading to someone needing rescue. Historically, we have seen a lack of skill, equipment, weather and intoxication all leading to river rescues. During high usage times, like opening day, the Boise Fire Dive Team attempts to have crews on the river. However, this is not something we have the resources to provide daily. The Boise Fire Department Dive Rescue team was organized in 1974 due to the prevalence of water rescues in area canals, ponds, and the Boise River.

Details surrounding the four recent life-threatening/life-saving rescues:

-A raft that had flipped upside down with two kids in it. The young girl was not wearing a life jacket and the young boy was wearing a life jacket that was too big. The dive team pulled the two kids from the water before they went under.
Reminder: kids under 14 are required to wear a life jacket and it’s important they fit properly

-A female floated into low-hanging trees, got trapped, and was clinging to a tree. Bystanders were trying to help but couldn’t get to her. Boise Fire was able to access and rescue her. Reminder: Floaters should pay attention where the current is taking them and paddle to avoid low-hanging tree branches and vegetation.

-Female who was trapped and panicking. She was not able to get to shore. A friend flagged down members from the Boise Fire Dive Team and they were able to rescue her.
Reminder: Boise Fire recommends floaters a life jacket and well-fitting water shoes due to the rocky bottom.

Officials sternly tell residents that “aerial fireworks,” including bottle rockets, mortars, and those producing “booms and bangs” are illegal. Meanwhile hundreds of dogs jump fences and run off in terror as both police and “patriotic” citizens ignore the illegal acts.

Last year on July 4th, there were 62 calls for service into dispatch from people reporting either illegal fireworks or a hazardous situation. BPD did not issue any citations.

Each year the folks at two large fireworks vending outlets ask customers to sign documents promising not to set off fireworks on public lands or other areas where they are prohibited–like the state of Idaho.

Both the Boise Police and Ada County sheriff’s departments have issued statements saying they “prioritize calls” and don’t really enforce the use of illegal fireworks.

The aerial explosives and fire crackers are responsible to injuries, lost dogs, disastrous fires, and sleepless nights for many. Meanwhile the much tamer devices described as “safe and sane” fireworks go on sale in strip mall and supermarket parking lots. For all but 10 days of the year children are admonished to not play with matches. Ironically, the only place to play with fireworks away from restrictive adults is in vacant lots and foothills land subject to wildfire.

A wise old father once suggested simply burning cash to get the same results as shooting off retail fireworks. In Vietnam resourceful revelers celebrating the lunar new year burn U.S. $100 bills for good luck. At least they do it with photocopies instead of real Benjamins.

The answer to the issue of fireworks displays is to boycott the arson stands and attend licensed displays found throughout the state. In Boise fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m. (dusk), but festivities at Ann Morrison Park begin at 6 p.m.

We noticed on again, off again, KTVB newsy Justin Core has left the PR post at Lauren McLean’s mayor office and is returning to the TV station.. Seems like he is at least the fourth or fifth to hold and leave that post during her administration.

She also recently announced a proposed 45 additional city government workers to handle the work created by growth, but the City Admin continues to seek more businesses, offer assorted “incentives” to developers, hence more people and more demand for services. If they would simply welcome only those people and businesses willing to pay their fair share of taxes and a fair wage it would solve many of our problems.

New planning director comes from Atlanta, GA and wants us to think differently than we have been thinking.

We would welcome any INFORMED comments about what’s happening with our local government. PLEASE PLEASE, no nasty general negative comments not supported by facts.

COUNCILOR, COP, COMMISH VERN BISTERFELDT AT BUILDING NAMED IN HIS HONOR.

By DAVID R. FRAZIER
GUARDIAN EDITOR

A dear friend and legend in police circles died Friday following a lengthy battle with assorted health issues. Vern Bisterfeldt was 84 and served the community as a cop, city councilor, and county commissioner over a period of more than 50 years.

When I came to Boise in 1968 as the police/court reporter at the Idaho Statesman, Vern was a Boise PD sergeant with a false “gruff demeanor.” He noticed the police scanner I had in my car and declared it to be a piece of crap. Next day he sent me to the police radio shop to get a proper antenna installed. Reception was greatly improved and sheriff Paul Bright also issued me an “Ada number” just like all the coppers had–Vern was Ada 121 and I was 2550.

It was the beginning of half a century of friendship and untold news” scoops” when deputies and Boise PD officers would radio dispatch (and me as i listened to the scanner) “We need 2550 out here.”

The following GUARDIAN story is a fitting tribute to the Bisterfeldt legacy.

ORIGINALLY POSTED APRIL 2009

Mention the name “Vern” to anyone who has lived in Boise more than a few years and it conjures up the image of a squinty eyed bald guy who carries a gruff demeanor that can explode into raucous laughter without notice.

City Councilor Vern Bisterfeldt began his Boise City career 50 years ago on May 13, 1959 at 9 a.m. when he was sworn in as a rookie copper by former assistant chief Gus Urresti. He claims he had never met a Basque and didn’t know what a Mormon was, but ended up working for a Basque and married to a Mormon–wife of 52 years, Shirley.

HANDCUFFING A BURGLAR circa 1970

During his copper days Vern was honored often for valor, named the first “officer of the year” by the Exchange Club, and reveled in chasing bad guys all over the state.

The rough and tumble “old west” action abounded back in the Old Days (1960s and 70s). Vern would chase down the bad guys–often as not behind the wheel of his personal red Dodge 440 with police radio and grille mounted lights and siren. To make ends meet he would wash cars in a used car lot, always armed and ready to join the action. He even arrested Santa Clause at a department store after noticing the guy was a wanted felon.

Once after nabbing a pair of escaped convicts who hadn’t eaten for a couple days, he bought them burgers and fries at McDonalds. Later, one of them summoned Vern to the prison and provided the name of a killer in an unsolved murder case.

“Treat people right and they will do the same for you,” says Vern. Hundreds of citizens who call him for help with city issues will certainly agree. He does return calls.

On January 11, 1987 he officially retired with the rank of Captain from the Boise PD and next day was sworn in as an Ada County Commish where he had a colorful career, including leaving a briefcase containing a .357 magnum in a Burley motel room.

The GUARDIAN’s favorite moment was in the midst of a County Commish meeting when he angrily called a fellow Commish “Butt Breath.”

Around 1994 when their daughter was murdered by her husband, he and Shirley ended up raising two more kids and became active in the Grandparents As Parents group.

“The people of Boise were fantastic. We were absolutely overwhelmed with letters, prayers, and every kind of support you can imagine–even money,” recalls Vern.

Chronic heart disease forced Vern to resign in July 1999. Fellow Commishes named the City-County Law Enforcement Building in honor of Vern, prior to his death.

Always full of surprises, he decided not to die, underwent heart surgery and got healthy.

In their frenzy to annex more people and land into Boise, City Councilors set their sights on Vern’s southwest Boise neighborhood. He warned them they would “be sorry” if they took him into the city, saying he would run for council. They did, he did, and some are probably still sorry because Vern is often the single voice against some pet projects that don’t meet his standards.

A life long Republican, he was very active in the successful U.S. Congressional campaign of Dem Walt Minnick.

At 71, Vern is still going strong and we think he just might extend his career in public service to 55 years at the November election. (note: he actually left after 53 years in 2012 when he said he couldn’t “answer the bell” anymore)

Just click on COMMENT and tell your own Vern story.

*10-42 is cop code for end of shift

THE ALLEGED INCIDENT
Most of the reports from either confidential or anonymous sources
say Chief Lee attended a department shift “briefing” in the patrol division. Supposedly Lee demonstrated a “hands on” physical restraint on a Sergeant which resulted in some sort of neck injury.

POST INCIDENT EVENTS
This is were the actions of those involved get a bit murky and frankly don’t serve to lend confidence and trust in our city mothers and fathers who pledge to be transparent and manage our tax dollars and public servants.

Someone in authority, the police, city attorney, mayor’s office, or the sergeant decided the Idaho State Police needed to investigate. They would be an “outside agency,” but logically would investigate only a reported crime–in this case potentially battery.

When other media outlets queried ISP they were denied any information on an “ongoing investigation.” This served to confirm ISP was in fact involved in an investigation.

When KTVB sought information from the office of Mayor Lauren McLean they were told it was a “personnel matter” and no info was released other than a statement endorsing Chief Lee as serving with dignity and honor, adding no action from the Mayor was anticipated.

LEGAL ISSUES
The chief has lawyered up with Charles Peterson as legal counsel. A source told the GUARDIAN that Lee will pay for the legal fees. The sergeant has filed a workers compensation claim for an alleged neck or spinal injury. At issue will be whether the officer “volunteered” or not to be the subject of Lee’s tactical demonstration.

CONCLUSION AND ADVICE
The GUARDIAN questions the involvement of ISP in a “personnel matter” and it would appear from what we have heard for more than a month the incident has grown out of control, but there was no crime. If the sergeant was injured, he deserves to be compensated and treated for any injury. We have been told by reliable sources that he has been working normal shifts. Finally, commanders/supervisors should refrain from physical contact with subordinates, be they male or female.

INTERNAL STRIFE
Chief Lee comes from Portland and there has been noticeable grumbling from GUARDIAN readers and others on social media who are critical of the way police handled the riots, homeless, and crime there. Lee has told the GUARDIAN he came to Boise because he didn’t want to be a part of that situation in what he calls “that other city.” There is an element within Boise PD which is unhappy with the mayor’s choice of Lee and with Lee himself.

OUTSIDE INFLUENCE
Since his arrival in Boise, Lee has hired several lieutenants from Portland, a captain from Oakland, California and a deputy chief also from the Bay Area.

Turns out the local BPD officers won’t apply for the command positions because they make more money with overtime than lieutenants (who don’t get overtime). They would also lose their union membership and have additional responsibility if they made the switch to “management.” It is not uncommon for officers to earn in excess of $100,000.

The GUARDIAN has obtained data from Fourth District Traffic Court showing that 1866 tickets were issued in Ada County alone in 2021.

Here is a breakdown of the enforcement actions.

Boise City PD–961
Eagle City PD–32
Garden City PD–193
Kuna City PD–1
Meridian City PD–336
Star City Police Department–1
County–83
State–259

Total Citations Issued in Ada County–1866

The “hands free” law for electronic devices applies even when you are stopped in traffic at a light or stop sign. The GUARDIAN monitors the fatal crashes from the Idaho State Police and a horrifying number of crashes report, “The driver crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle.” Many of those reports detail the driver first went off the right side of the road, and over-corrected.

While the cause is seldom listed as “inattention or distracted driving,” the results often indicate otherwise.

It is critical of the police handling of the incident and and the mall security. Chief Ryan Lee has read the letter. Lee has had staff contact Murphy in an effort to discuss the letter and potentially add to the plethora of information and evaluations gathered following the shooting deaths.

GUEST OPINION
By MIKE MURPHY

To Whom It May Concern,
As one of three security officers on duty at the time, and assigned to patrol the exterior and parking areas of the mall at the time of the shooting, I offer the following perspective based on first hand knowledge and observation.
Before I continue, it should be noted that nothing I have to say here should be misconstrued as minimizing the bravery exhibited by individual officers, or a condemnation of the profession . . .

The response to the MCI (mass casualty incident) was an absolute clusterf… and failure of leadership, training, and operating procedure, and it is by the Grace of God alone that an infinitely more horrible outcome did not come to pass.

Police leadership failed to recognize / act upon the real possibility of an accomplice and / or placement of explosive devices outside of the entrance / exit to Macy’s where the shooter egressed (a not uncommon tactic of terrorists) and allowed all responding vehicles — which represented a substantial portion of Boise’s overall Police, Fire, and EMS vehicles and personnel — to be bunched up in front of the Macy’s entrance where they would have been decimated had a device been detonated and / or an accomplice had opened fire.

No perimeter was ever established / secured in the area surrounding those vehicles, despite an abundance of law enforcement who can be seen in news footage chatting and milling about.

SWAT sniper(s) (easily identified by their weaponry, balaclava, and subdued BPD patches) — instead of milling about the main entrance to the mall laughing and chatting with other equally idle law enforcement — should have been posted on the roof to observe and report / act upon any suspicious / threatening activity in the area of Macy’s.
In parting . . .

On the day of the MCI there should have been eight security officers on duty, but there were only three, because mall management (Brookfield Properties) and their security company (Professional Security Consultants) fail to pay, train, equip, and support their officers properly.

I escorted the shooter off of the property to the corner of Emerald and Milwaukee a week earlier when he was armed with four handguns (including at least one with a silencer) and enough ammo to start a war, yet for whatever reason, Brookfield Properties and / or Professional Security Consultants disapproves of and does not utilize the tools developed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) that may have helped avert this preventable tragedy.

In My Opinion . . . Boise Towne Square does not take the safety and security of their tenants and the public seriously and I have advised my friends and family to avoid it at all costs as I and other security officers have since resigned, and all of the extra security visible in the days immediately following the shooting was entirely theater and is already long gone, having returned to Iowa, Utah, Nebraska, and California, where they were brought in from.

Rest in Peace, Jo Acker — Hero.

Sincerely,
Michael Murphy

EDITOR NOTE–The GUARDIAN welcomes a response from both the Boise PD and the Mall management. The police post action review is ongoing, but the GUARDIAN has unofficially been informed that only one Boise officer discharged his weapon, the shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot, the SWAT team was never activated in the brief period the incident unfolded, some officers not assigned to the call “self deployed” which added to the chaos.

Based on what we have learned the guardian does not anticipate any charges being filed and if there is any redeeming value in the two tragic deaths, it will be increased training, organized response and procedures the next time violence erupts in a public place.