Investigation into death of man in Bonneville County Sheriff’s custody concludes
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The following is a news release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. Click here to read James Ryan Roberts’ obituary.
Investigators from the Tri-County Sheriff’s Association and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office have concluded their investigation and review of an in-custody death incident from Oct. 31, 2024, involving Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies. The incident began after 40-year-old James Ryan Roberts was involved in a crash in the Ammon Walmart parking lot with a storage container just after 11 p.m. that evening.
Deputies on scene observed indications of impairment, discovering Mr. Roberts had been huffing compressed cans of air. The investigation revealed Roberts had purchased several cans of compressed air at the Ammon Walmart throughout the day.
Mr. Roberts was checked by ambulance personnel at the scene, followed by a deputy transporting him to Idaho Falls Community Hospital for a medical clearance and a blood draw as part of a DUI investigation. While at the hospital, Roberts became unresponsive and medical aide was rendered by deputies and emergency room personnel. Despite efforts to revive him, Mr. Roberts died in the emergency room.
Review of this incident by the Bonneville County prosecutor concluded actions by deputies or personnel involved did not contribute to Mr. Roberts’ death, and his passing appeared to be a result of his own actions.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest sympathy to the Roberts family for their loss. We appreciate the thorough investigation of this incident by the Tri-County Sheriff’s Association, Bingham and Bannock County sheriff’s offices, the Bonneville County coroner, and the Bonneville County prosecutor.
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse and addiction, sheriff’s deputies urge you to seek help through resources in our community such as the Behavior Health Crisis Center, Center for Hope, and others. A list of several resources available in our community can be found here.