Boise, Idaho (BPD) — On March 8, 2023, around 8:30 a.m. family members of 23-year-old Gavin Donithorne called Ada County Dispatch reporting that Donithorne had threatened their lives and was currently driving from Portland to Boise. Donithorne had a long history of violence, some of which involved incidents with his family. Around 9:30 a.m. Boise Police officers learned Gavin’s vehicle had entered Idaho and his parole officer in Oregon was working to obtain an agent’s warrant for his arrest. Based on the evidence, BPD officers also determined there was probable cause to arrest Gavin for felony stalking. Ada County Sheriff’s Deputies in Eagle located Donithorne’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
Donithorne fled from them exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour as he entered Boise. ACSO Deputies terminated the pursuit due to the danger presented by Donithorne’s multiple acts of reckless driving. Boise Police Officers and an ACSO Sergeant located Donithorne’s vehicle as it pulled into a parking lot at Apple Street and Boise Avenue. Two BPD officers, riding together in a marked BPD patrol car, pulled in behind Donithorne, blocking his exit. Officers exited their patrol car and gave Donithorne commands to show his hands. Donithorne exited the vehicle and pointed a black pistol at the officers. The officer on the passenger side fired nine rounds at Donithorne with his service weapon. During this exchange, additional officers arrived and Donithorne fled while holding the pistol in his hand.
Donithorne turned and ran toward an Ada County Sheriff’s Sergeant, who discharged five rounds from his duty weapon at Donithorne. Donithorne then ran Southeast on Boise Ave. for some distance before ultimately dropping the pistol and lying down on the ground near Greenwood Circle where he was taken into custody. Donithorne had one gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital where he was treated before being booked into the Ada County Jail. Investigators identified the pistol Donithorne was carrying as a “CO2-powered full auto blowback bb gun pistol.” There were no distinguishing markings that would readily identify the pistol as a bb gun. Donithorne pled guilty to felony charges of aggravated assault on certain personnel and eluding a police officer. He was sentenced to ten years imprisonment, with five fixed, on November 7, 2023.
The incident reflects the dangers faced by law enforcement officers when dealing with individuals with a history of violence and erratic behavior. In this case, the officers involved acted appropriately given the circumstances and the threat posed by the suspect. They followed the necessary protocols to ensure the safety of themselves and the public. The use of lethal force by law enforcement officers is a decision that is not taken lightly and is only employed when there is clear and imminent danger to themselves or others.
The case also highlights the importance of thorough investigative work and the coordination between law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions. The timely communication and collaboration between the Boise Police Department and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office were crucial in apprehending the suspect and preventing further harm to the community.
In conclusion, the outcome of the incident serves as a testament to the bravery and commitment of law enforcement officers in protecting the public and upholding the law. Their quick thinking and decisive actions prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating further. It also underscores the need for ongoing support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel as they carry out their duties in challenging and often volatile situations.
