The East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force has concluded its investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 17, 2025, on N. County Line Rd., involving Landon Smith of Madison County. The findings have been referred to Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal for review.
According to the investigation, Landon Smith was involved in a domestic dispute and stole a vehicle in Madison County on the evening of December 16. Around 11 p.m., Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted a traffic stop in the Ammon area after spotting Smith, but he fled before deputies were aware of the earlier incident under investigation in Madison County.
In the early hours of December 17, Smith was again seen driving the stolen jeep near Lincoln Rd. He fled from deputies at high speed and was later followed to N. County Line Rd., where he turned east toward Ririe. Deputy Kyle Penny performed a PIT maneuver on Smith’s vehicle in the 9000 E. block of 145th N., stopping it. Investigators found that Smith then fired one round from a handgun, resulting in a self-inflicted wound to his head. Deputy Penny returned fire after perceiving he was being shot at, and Deputy Bill Stadtman also fired at Smith’s vehicle. The investigation determined that Smith was not struck by rounds from either deputy and suffered only from his self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputies and ambulance personnel performed life-saving efforts at the scene before transporting Smith to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Despite these efforts, Smith died from his injuries on December 21, 2025.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has released portions of car and body camera video from the incident with graphic details redacted but cautions viewers due to the nature of the footage. The video is available online along with Prosecutor Randy Neal’s findings.
The original reports indicated that law enforcement had received information suggesting Smith intended to harm himself or provoke police into using deadly force against him. Throughout multiple encounters with law enforcement—including fleeing traffic stops and driving recklessly without headlights—Smith avoided apprehension until the final confrontation.
Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse requested assistance from the East Idaho Critical Incident Team for an independent investigation into the shooting incident. This team consists of detectives and resources from various city, county, and state agencies across East Idaho who handle critical incidents involving law enforcement.
No deputies were injured during this incident, and no other occupants were present in Smith’s vehicle.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those involved,” stated officials as they noted that more information may be released as it becomes available.