The Kootenai County Sherriff Robert Norris identified Wess Roley as a suspect in the ambush of Coeur d’Alene firefighters in a press conference held Monday afternoon.
Roley’s family expressed initial uncertainty.
“No one had any idea this was possible,” Wess Roley’s grandfather Dale said.
Roley, who has had five interactions with local law enforcement and fire agencies, was identified by the sheriff. These interactions included trespassing, but nothing as serious as the recent ambush.
At a press conference, the sheriff stated, “The suspect has been identified as Wess Val Roley.”
The Sheriff also mentioned that Roley was seen living out of his vehicle. “People who have seen the vehicle do believe that he was living out of the vehicle,” the Sheriff said.
Roley’s grandfather shared that his grandson wanted to be a firefighter – specifically a wildland firefighter. Wildland firefighters often work in adverse terrain.
“You know things he was excited about and wanted to do in life, he wanted to be a firefighter, a forester,” Dale said.
Authorities confirmed Roley’s interest in firefighting. “We do have information that he wanted to be a firefighter,” the Sheriff stated. However, there was disagreement over whether Roley had made steps to pursue a firefighting career.
Dale said, “I’m pretty sure he had, he told me that he had contacted the local fire department.”
Meanwhile, authorities countered, “We haven’t located where he put in an inquiry or submitted an application.”
