Two men are facing serious criminal charges after an early morning shooting incident in Bannock County that involved firing into an occupied residence and discharging weapons at responding officers, according to reports from eastidahonews.com.
William Wayne Cronon, 58, and Gavin Ray Scollard, 44, were arrested following the Sept. 2 confrontation near Trail Creek. The incident began when a resident inside a mobile home heard someone ask, “Are you home?” before two or three gunshots rang out through a window. The suspects fled the scene in a truck shortly after the initial discharge.
Law Enforcement Response
Officers from the Pocatello Police Department and Idaho State Police responded to the call. Utilizing a drone equipped with heat signature detection technology, law enforcement located the suspects in the area. The situation escalated when the men allegedly fired three or four additional rounds at officers, forcing deputies to take cover.
According to court documents, the suspects discharged approximately seven more rounds during the standoff. One suspect approached officers while holding a rifle and initially refused commands to drop the weapon. That individual eventually complied with officer instructions and was taken into custody without further incident.
The South East Idaho Special Tactics and Response Team assisted in securing the second suspect. Investigators recovered two firearms and ammunition near the vehicle used by the suspects.
Charges and Penalties
Cronon has been charged with one count of discharging a weapon at an occupied home. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Scollard faces more severe charges. In addition to the count of discharging a weapon at an occupied home, he is charged with aggravated assault on certain personnel. A conviction on these counts could result in up to 20 years behind bars and fines reaching $55,000.
Both defendants have been appointed public defenders. Preliminary hearings for Cronon and Scollard are scheduled for Sept. 15.
This case highlights the dangers faced by first responders during high-stress calls. The use of specialized tactical units and advanced technology, such as thermal drones, played a critical role in resolving the standoff safely. Local law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of community cooperation and strict adherence to firearm safety laws to prevent such violent encounters.
Residents in Bannock County are reminded to report any suspicious activity immediately. The Pocatello Police Department and Idaho State Police work closely together to ensure public safety across the region, particularly in rural areas like Trail Creek where response times can vary.
The legal process will now move forward as the court system reviews the evidence presented by prosecutors. Public defenders for both men have entered pleas of not guilty, setting the stage for a formal review of the charges at the upcoming preliminary hearings.