A man from Northern California, an alumnus of Antelope High School, has been gravely injured after bravely confronting a shooter during the tragic mass shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Idaho, as reported by his family.
Austin James, who once served as a police officer in Twin Falls and graduated from Antelope High, was caught in the chaos of the incident while waiting in the drive-thru lane of the restaurant with his wife, according to KCRA’s interview with his father.
Choosing courage over self-preservation, James made a valiant attempt to stop the shooter, running directly toward the danger. Unfortunately, he was shot in the arm, sustaining severe injuries.
His wife, an emergency room nurse, promptly rushed to his side to administer aid and then facilitated his transport to a hospital nearby, his father described.
James not only made his mark at Antelope High, participating in volleyball, but also pursued higher education at Brigham Young University.
The shooting left three people dead and seven others injured, including James, authorities said. Police identified the gunman as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack. Investigators believe he acted alone and have not announced a motive.
Among those killed was Ashley Garibay, a Stockton-based In-N-Out manager who had traveled to the company’s newly opened Twin Falls restaurant to help train employees. Her family confirmed her identity to KCRA. Garibay worked at the In-NOut location on March Lane in Stockton.
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities said two victims remained in critical condition, while three others were listed in stable condition. Two additional victims had been treated and released from the hospital.