State troopers explain at man’s trial why they opened fire prior to pursuit
By: Shelbie Harris, idahostatejournal.com
POCATELLO — Wanted felon on a rampage or justice system overreach?
That’s the decision a jury must make in the case of Rocco Joseph Chacon Jr., a Pocatello man who has been charged with five felonies for allegedly leading police on a high-speed vehicle pursuit through the city’s northside in March 2017. The pursuit involved Idaho State Police troopers firing upon the vehicle Chacon was allegedly driving, seriously wounding his female passenger, and ended when the vehicle reached a dead-end on a dirt road.
Chacon, 26, has been charged with battery upon law enforcement officers with the intent to commit a serious felony, unlawful possession of a firearm, grand theft by possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and eluding police. If convicted of the charges against him, Chacon faces up to 62 years in prison and up to $55,000 in fines.
