SHOSHONE COUNTY, Idaho — A homeowner who shot an escaped inmate from the Shoshone County Jail said he was the right person to come face to face with the suspect.
Officials said Brian Becker shot Roy Bieluch in the leg while hiding in the man’s backyard south of Wallace, Idaho.
Becker said he first heard his dog barking and prepared for a bear to be in his backyard. He found Bieluch hiding there instead.
“There he is hiding there, watching me, and as soon as he does, I pull my weapon up and my flashlight,” said Becker.
Becker is a former police officer and a Marine veteran. He said he was the right guy to come across Bieluch.
“I didn’t know what his crimes were, I knew he was an escapee from here, I recognized his picture,” said Becker.
Becker knew Bieluch was on the run and could not believe he was still so close to town. Becker told Bieluch to keep his hands were he could see him. When he did not follow the instructions Becker decided to use his gun.
“At one point he finally says, ‘I’m not going to do it,’ I said, ‘Yes you are,’ and he step toward me and that’s when I shot,” said Becker.
Becker said his training and experience in law enforcement helped the night end with only one person having minor injuries. He also considers himself lucky because it could have ended very differently.
Bieluch is recovering from his injuries and his back in police custody.
