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UPDATE:

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — All is clear after a natural gas leak forced fire crews to evacuate the Red Robin and Wells Fargo Bank on East 17th Street earlier today, Dec. 23.

According to the Idaho Falls Fire Department, the leak was caused by an excavator operated by a private company, which struck a 4-inch gas line. As a precaution, IFFD evacuated the nearby businesses and temporarily closed eastbound traffic on East 17th Street at Ashment Street.

Within 20 minutes of the initial call, crews with Intermountain Gas arrived on the scene and quickly pinched off the damaged pipe, stopping the leak. IFFD confirms the gas line has since been secured and all roadways are now open.

In a press release, the Idaho Falls Fire Department thanked Intermountain Gas, Idaho Falls Power, and the Idaho Falls Police Department for their swift response and coordination, which helped minimize impacts and ensure public safety.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A gas leak is causing road closures near the intersection of 17th and Hitt in Idaho Falls near Red Robin. Eastbound traffic is blocked from Ashment to S 25th E (Hitt Road) while the leak is being fixed.

Red Robin and Wells Fargo have been evacuated as a precaution. No other businesses in the area are currently affected.

Drivers should plan for delays in this area and find alternate routes.

AMMON – After several months missing, Tank the dog has been safely reunited with his owner, thanks to efforts by the community, Snake River Animal Shelter, and BCSO Animal Control Officer Bolleurs. The reunion, just days before Christmas, is being hailed as a holiday miracle.

“It is a Christmas miracle,” said Michelle Ziel-Dingman, executive director of the community organization involved in the search. “A dog has been reunited with its owner with the help of the community.”

Tank had been missing for almost three months when his owner first put out a desperate plea for help on Facebook. The community immediately rallied, transforming the search into a full-scale operation.

The breakthrough came when residents began spotting Tank on their home security cameras. These sightings provided crucial information, helping searchers narrow down the dog’s location.

It all went when a team of community members set up a specialized trap and were finally able to safely capture Tank. After months apart, Tank now gets to spend the holiday with his loving owner.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A Madison County man has died following an officer-involved shooting incident with law enforcement last week. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as Landon Smith. He was officially declared deceased on December 22, several days after the incident on North County Line Road left him with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

Medical staff at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center declared Smith brain dead on Sunday, Dec. 21, following the Wednesday morning shooting.

The Shooting and Investigation

On Wednesday, December 17th, Smith was the subject of a multi-county search after being linked to a domestic disturbance and vehicle theft earlier that evening in Madison County. According to initial police reports, authorities believed that Smith was likely armed and had expressed an intent to commit “suicide by cop.”

RELATED: Armed suspect hospitalized after deputy-involved shooting in Bonneville County

Over the course of the search, Bonneville County Deputies spotted Smith in an allegedly stolen vehicle and tried to stop him multiple times from 11 PM Tuesday to 5:30 AM Wednesday, noting he drove recklessly in the area.

A Bonneville County Deputy was able to execute a PIT maneuver on North County Line Road, which turned Smith’s vehicle off the side of the road and into the gutter.

As his car came to a stop, BCSO says Smith immediately began firing at officers, and two deputies returned fire. Smith suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound, but BCSO says whether or not the driver was struck by his own fired rounds or rounds from a deputy is under investigation.

Sheriff’s Office Response

Smith was treated on scene by Deputies and taken by Ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. On Sunday, Dec. 21st, Smith was declared brain dead by medical staff, and officially declared deceased on Monday, Dec. 22nd.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those involved,” states BCSO PIO Sgt. Bryan Lovell. “This investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released at a later time.”