Prosecutor Took Part In Manhunt Shootout

Bingham County Deputy Prosecutor Scott Andrew was among law enforcement officers who exchanged gunfire with a local man earlier this month.

Rodney Chip Richman, 28, last week admitted firing the first shot Sept. 4 in the second of two exchanges of gunfire at the conclusion of a four-hour manhunt. A bullet struck Richman in the cheek and lodged in his neck near his spine. He was hospitalized in Idaho Falls, but later returned to the Bingham County Jail and was being held Tuesday in lieu of $250,000 bond.

Andrew declined comment about his involvement in the shooting, which was reviewed by the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Blackfoot Police Chief David Moore said the state investigation found Andrew and other law enforcement officers acted properly. But Bingham County Prosecutor Tom Moss questioned the degree to which Andrew participated. “I don’t agree that prosecutors should fire shots,” Moss said.

Bingham County Public Defender Scott Hansen, who represents Richman, said he was not sure yet how Andrew’s role in the shooting would affect the case.

“I’ve never been in this situation, but it raises some interesting questions,” Hansen said.

Bingham County Deputy Prosecutor Carter Mackley said Andrew was wearing a bulletproof vest and was qualified to use the weapon he had that night.