Off-duty Fish and Game officer helped scare off suspect accused of firing at Idaho deputies
The suspect accused of attempted murder after police say he shot at two Adams County Sheriff’s deputies is being held on a $2.5 million bond. The nearby conservation officer who returned fire has also been identified.
Fish and Game conservation officer Randy Martinez, a 17-year veteran officer, was off-duty when heard shots being fired and saw William “Bill” James was shooting at two deputies last month.
Martinez did not injure James, but his gunshots caused James to turn and run.
James was arrested on Saturday after fleeing the scene of the March 29 incident in New Meadows.
According to a copy of the probable cause affidavit in the case, James’s mother called the Adams County Sheriff’s Office because James was at her home in violation of a protection order. When deputies arrived, James allegedly fired a rifle at the deputies, forcing them to take cover.
At the time, Martinez was directly across Highway 55, off duty, when he heard the gunshots, according to a Wednesday news release from Fish and Game.
“Two Adams County Sheriff’s deputies, Nikki Sauerland and Randall Benavides were pinned down behind their vehicles, taking cover from James who was firing at them from a nearby shed,” the Department of Fish and Game reported. “As bullets continued to strike the two law enforcement vehicles, Martinez retrieved a handgun from his vehicle, jumped across the highway boundary fence and took cover in the adjacent ditch.”
Martinez reportedly saw James approach the deputies, still firing his weapon at them. Martinez fired several rounds at James, causing him to stop and run. Neither of the deputies were injured in the incident.
As of Wednesday, Martinez had been placed on administrative leave.
“The administrative investigation is complete, showing Officer Martinez followed all Fish and Game policies and laws,” said Charlie Justus, regional conservation officer for Fish and Game, in an email to the Statesman.
James is charged on suspicion of two counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of felony assault or battery on certain personnel, and two counts of felony assault with the intent to commit a serious felony.
On Monday, a judge set James’s bond at $2.5 million and he remains in custody, according to online court records. His next court appearance is set for 10 a.m. April 16.
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 9:44 AM.
