An off-duty state trooper is being hailed as a hero after a harrowing incident at an In-N-Out in Idaho.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The moment took place on Saturday, August 1, at the fast-food burger restaurant's Twin Falls location around 2 p.m. Footage shows the good Samaritan, who was unidentified, firing his weapon at suspect Chad Williams, who was carrying an AR-15 rifle.
What Happened at the Idaho In-N-Out?
According to the New York Post, the quiet Idaho community was shaken to its core when the 24-year-old Williams allegedly opened fire at the In-N-Out.
Witnesses claim the suspect ran out of the drive-thru. He then pointed his assault rifle at the driver's side window of a Tesla and fired off two rounds.
Several armed residents then opened fire. Officers called the scene "very chaotic." Despite this, it is believed that the off-duty officer's actions distracted Williams, allowing employees and patrons to escape.
One witness, Lane Koehn, captured the violent scene from his car. He saw someone who appeared to be an In-N-Out employee bleeding from the chest. Someone in uniform was carrying her off. Koehn, along with the off-duty officer, stayed with her until first responders arrived.
"She was pretty bad off," said Koehn.
What Was the Shooter's Motive?
Williams is believed to have killed himself. The police have yet to share a possible motive for his alleged crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is helping with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks is praising the off-duty state trooper.
"We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties," he added.
Lynsi Snyder, the president of In-N-Out, shared a statement regarding the incident.
"My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I've shed," it read. "We lost one of our beautiful associates tonight. She was taking care of our most important asset — our customers, and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn't value the lives of others or his own."
