In brief: Officials identify deputy involved in Valley shooting

The Spokane County deputy sheriff who shot an armed motorist during a gunfight last week was identified Monday as Jeff Thurman, a decorated 13-year veteran of the department.

Thurman, who was uninjured in the Friday night Spokane Valley traffic stop, is the recipient of numerous commendations and has been involved in several high-profile cases over the years, including two previous shootings.

During the Friday traffic stop, the driver reportedly fled on foot, but Thurman’s police dog, Laslo, caught up and took him to the ground. Then, when Thurman reached down to take the suspect into custody, the man drew a gun and fired, authorities have said. Thurman returned fire, wounding the suspect, whose identity is being withheld by police as he continues to be treated at a Spokane hospital.

Last year, Thurman was among six officers who fired on a despondent Army veteran killed during an armed standoff near Spokane Valley Mall, and in 2008 he exchanged gunfire with a fugitive discovered hiding in a backyard, wounding him.

Staff reports

Colleges seek reimbursement for post-gun-law security

Five of Idaho’s universities and community colleges have spent more than $1.5 million to beef up campus security because of the concealed-weapons-on-campus law approved last year, and the schools expect total costs to top $3.7 million for the year.

The schools likely will have to absorb the cost from existing funds. They sought additional funding this winter to offset their costs in the current budget year, which began July 1. But Gov. Butch Otter did not include the money, and the Legislature is not likely to add any.

The five schools – Boise State University, Idaho State University, the University of Idaho, the College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College – sought $1.55 million for expenses already incurred and another $2.17 million for the rest of the year. The costs are for both continuing and one-time expenses for personnel, training and equipment.

The concealed carry law, passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor last year, took effect July 1. It permits retired law enforcement officers and those people holding the state’s enhanced concealed-carry permit to bring firearms to campus but bans weapons in dormitories and buildings that can hold more than 1,000 people, for example, sports or concert venues.

The schools say they have had to add new staff, provide for training and purchase new equipment. Costs this budget year include $1.4 million at Boise State University; $809,000 at Idaho State University; $580,000 at the University of Idaho; $622,000 at North Idaho College; and $285,000 at College of Western Idaho.

Boise State spokesman Greg Hahn said the concealed-carry law prompted the university to look at campus security overall and embark on a multiyear effort to improve it. The school relies on the Boise Police Department to handle serious campus incidents.

“As the city gets bigger and the campus gets bigger, and with this change, knowing that weapons are going to be allowed on parts of campus, does it make sense to turn (campus security) into a larger police force and ultimately armed security?” Hahn asked.

Idaho Statesman