Thomas L. White, a 28-year-old Caucasian male, died on Friday, June 6, 2014, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, following a confrontation with police. The events leading to his death began at approximately 9:00 p.m. when officers from the Coeur d'Alene Police Department were dispatched to a domestic disturbance on Dragon Fly Drive. Just before the police arrived, White had reportedly left the residence with a gun.
Concerned for the family's safety and White's potential return, officers established
a perimeter and began a search of the area. They soon located White in the backyard of a neighboring home. White had moved to a second-floor deck of the neighbor's residence. Officers observed that he was holding a gun and gave him verbal commands to put the weapon down so they could speak with him. Despite multiple requests to comply, White did not drop the gun.
According to the investigation by the Idaho State Police, White then pointed the gun at the officers. This action prompted a mutual exchange of gunfire between White and three Coeur d'Alene police officers. During the exchange, White was fatally wounded and was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured in the incident. The officers involved were identified as Sgt. Greg Moore, a 15-year veteran of the department, Officer Johann Schmitz, and Officer Jacob Nielsen. Following the shooting, the three officers were placed on administrative leave as per agency policy, and the Idaho State Police conducted an investigation into the incident. The shooting was later deemed justified.
