Man arrested after standoff with deputies in Custer County

A Challis man was arrested following a standoff with deputies at a Challis residence Sunday.

The incident began Saturday near Summit Circle and Blue Mountain Rd. at approximately 11:25 p.m. when dispatch received a call that a man had shot at their vehicle. Apparently a disturbance involving several juveniles and 47-year-old Curtis Lee Caton resulted in Caton firing a weapon toward them as they left. A short while later, parents of the juveniles went to the area but were met with gunfire from Caton into their vehicle. The rounds penetrated the interior of the vehicle, nearly striking the occupants, however there were no injuries.

Deputies contacted Caton at his residence on Summit Circle at approximately 12:51 a.m. to ascertain the details of what happened. Caton slammed the door and refused to continue speaking with deputies. A 23-year-old female was inside the residence at that time.

Deputies created a safety perimeter around the residence while assistance was requested from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. As personnel arrived on scene and communications continued, the 23-year-old female inside the residence was eventually released. Additionally, the Southeast Idaho STAR Tactical Team consisting of deputies from Bingham, Bannock, and Caribou counties and the Blackfoot Police Department also responded with additional personnel and resources as negotiations continued through the morning.

After approximately six hours of negotiations with deputies, Caton agreed to surrender peacefully and was taken into custody. He was transported to the Custer County Jail and booked on felony charges for unlawful discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle before being transported to the Lemhi County Jail for holding. Further charges related to the incident are pending as the investigation continues. There were no injuries to witnesses or deputies as a result of the events and the area was reopened at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Custer County Sheriff Levi Maydole would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as deputies worked to keep the situation contained, ultimately resulting in a peaceful outcome. We appreciate the response and resources from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Southeast Idaho STAR tactical teams working with our deputies for a successful resolution.

The investigation is continuing and no further information is available at this time.