PRESS RELEASE: Jerome City Police Officer Shot in High Speed Chase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

JEROME POLICE DEPARTMENT

JEROME COUNTY SHERIFF

On 07 February, 2011 at 5:03 pm a Jerome man lead police on a five mile pursuit which resulted in shots fired by the suspect and police.

Chris Taylor, 29 YOA, failed to stop for Jerome Police Office Dennis Clark, after Clark attempted to stop him for traffic violations. The Pursuit began in east side of the City of Jerome and proceeded into the county southeast of the city. Taylor lost control of his car and the car rolled over coming to rest in a farm field.

The pursuit involved Three Jerome Police Officers and one Jerome County Deputy. During the pursuit gunfire was exchanged between Taylor and two police officers. Both Taylor and Officer Clark received non-life threatening gun shot wounds.

Taylor was on probation with Idaho DOC and upon release from the hospital will be held in the Twin Falls County Jail on an agents warrant for probation violation.

Officer Clark is currently at St. Al. hospital in Boise where he is being treated for a gunshot wound to the face. Officer Clark, 35 YOA is an 11-year veteran officer for the City of Jerome, and also a Reserve Deputy for the Jerome County Sheriff. Clark has dedicated his life to public safety, a long time member of the Jerome County Rural Fire Department as well.

The Magic Valley Critical Incident Task Force, with a Cassia County Sheriff Investigator as the lead Investigator, is investigating the incident. Detectives from several Magic Valley Police and Sheriff agencies as well as Idaho State Police Investigators are involved in the investigation.

The prosecution in this case is being handled by the Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and the Twin Falls Prosecuting Attorney’s office will conduct a separate investigation and review of the officer involved shooting.

All inquiries as to Taylor’s probation status should be routed through the Idaho Department of Corrections.

All other inquiries should be routed to either the Jerome or Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorneys.

Dan Hall, Jerome Police Chief (208-324-4328)

Doug McFall, Jerome County Sheriff (208-644-2770)