Bonners Ferry Police Chief involved in fatal shooting

CHALLIS — Bonners Ferry Police Chief Brian Zimmerman is under investigation after he allegedly shot and killed a man near Tin Cup Campground in Custer County two weeks ago.

According to a Custer County Sheriff’s Office press release, deputies were called to the campground at about 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 for a reported shooting after a confrontation between two camping groups.

CCSO officials said Russell V. Liddell, 73, of Boise, confronted a group of 16 to 18 people camping near Tin Cup Campground. A verbal altercation followed between Liddell and members of the group that ended in shots being fired.

Zimmerman, who was off duty at the time, is believed to have fired the rounds that killed Liddell.

Detectives were informed that members of the group began lifesaving measures after Liddell was shot and quickly called emergency personnel to arrive at the scene. No one else was injured during the altercation.

Custer County law enforcement requested resources from the Eastern Idaho Critical Task Force to assist with the investigation.

Detectives with Bonneville, Bingham, Fremont County, Idaho Falls Police and Idaho State Police have begun an investigation, collecting information from individuals involved.

Autopsy reports are currently pending as of Aug. 13.

In an obituary for Liddell, he is recognized for his service as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

Zimmerman previously worked as a trooper for the Idaho State Police, which is why Bonneville County took the lead on the case, Custer County Prosecutor Justin Oleson said.

Bonners Ferry officials issued a press release late Thursday morning acknowledging the shooting and the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation. The release notes that Zimmerman informed city administration of the incident after it occurred.

“The city does not feel that administrative leave or other personnel action by the city of Bonners Ferry is necessary at this time,” Bonners Ferry officials said.

They noted that Zimmerman’s actions are in no way related to his employment and said they would not be commenting on the status of the investigation.