Suspect at large following Nuchols Gulch stand-off

OSBURN – Officials continue to search for an Osburn man who was responsible for a tense standoff with police Wednesday night.

Identified as Ryan Rickets, the suspect is believed to have escaped from the scene of an incident up Nuchols Gulch and into the wilderness on foot. Witnesses state that Rickets is unarmed, but Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Holly Lindsey stresses that residents in the area should remain cautious until he can be taken into custody.

According to a source close to the suspect, the entire situation began on June 30, when Rickets and a neighbor got into a disagreement over fireworks. Rickets was allegedly shooting them off and the neighbor took exception. This disagreement carried over to the next day, when Rickets again shot off fireworks. This second dispute between them led to 911 being called and an SCSO deputy being dispatched to the area.

Upon arrival, the deputy heard between 6-7 gunshots fired from the location of call, but was not directly shot at. The deputy retreated to a safe distance and then called for backup.

Once multiple units comprised of personnel from SCSO, Osburn Police Department, and Idaho State Police arrived and established a perimeter, it was determined that Rickets was holed up in a home with a female individual and two juveniles.

Following several hours of negotiation, the female was the first to come out of the home unharmed. Not long after, the two children also came out unharmed.

Contrary to other reports on social media, there was no shootout or exchange of gunfire between the two sides and no deputies were injured in any way.

Once the children were secured, law enforcement quickly found out that Rickets had used the release of the children as cover for an escape into the woods to the north on foot.

As of 11:30 p.m. on July 1, Rickets has yet to be located. SCSO is currently filing for an arrest warrant for the suspect.

According to iCourt, Rickets was found guilty of misdemeanor battery/domestic violence in 2017 and was also charged with aggravated battery in 2018, but those charges were eventually dismissed.

If you or someone you know sees anything suspicious in this area, alert the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office by calling 208-556-1114 or dialing 911.