Police Investigate Over 20 Shots Fired in Downtown Boise Overnight

Boise is often touted as one of the safest places to live anywhere in America.

An early morning shooting in Boise has some asking: are we watching Boise 'change' right before our eyes?

Folks leaving downtown Boise bars at 2:00 a.m. late Friday night or 'early Saturday morning' were in a panic as several shots were fired near Main Street and 8th just minutes after bars began to close for the night.

The scene was chaotic and we were just yards away as it all took place.

Rapid fire shots, which Boise Police say was over 20, sounded off through normally quiet downtown Boise. We, along with other standers-by saw folks running as fast as they could away from Capitol boulevard. Police sirens quickly filled the air.

Heavy police response quickly secured Boise's Grove Plaza after shots were fired in downtown Boise.

On Sunday morning, the Boise Police Department shared an update on what actually happened, with the public:

At approximately 2:13 a.m., Boise Police responded to a report of shots fired near Main Street and 8th Street in downtown Boise. Officers arrived quickly and detained several individuals. Officers also discovered that several buildings had been struck by gunfire. Based on preliminary information, officers believe more than 20 shots were fired. A preliminary investigation indicates that a verbal and physical altercation occurred between two groups at Grove Plaza. Officers detained multiple individuals, and the investigation is ongoing, including into possible gang affiliations.

Police went on to explain that there we no injuries in the incident, and that charges are pending against one person for 'aggravated assault' and 'shooting into an occupied dwelling'.

If you were downtown Boise and know anything about what might have happened, have any photo or video footage of the incident, or feel you need to speak to authorities--you are asked to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.