Sergeant Andrew Nakashima (District 5) has been awarded the Silver Star | Idaho State Police
Sergeant Andrew Nakashima (District 5) has been awarded the Silver Star | Idaho State Police
On National First Responders Day, it is fitting to announce that Sergeant Andrew Nakashima (District 5) has been awarded the Silver Star for knowingly subjecting himself to potential injury or death to prevent serious injury or death to other law enforcement officers and innocent members of the public.
On October 13, 2021, Caribou County Deputies were pursuing a driver who had fired shots at the police. The driver was a career criminal wanted for attempted murder in Washington state. Bannock County Deputies successfully spiked one of the tires on the suspect’s vehicle as it entered their county. The driver became increasingly desperate. He called 911 and threatened to drive into on-coming traffic and kill someone if the pursuing officers did not back off. Idaho State Police Sergeant Andrew Nakashima responded to the call for assistance and entered the pursuit directly behind the driver. The driver repeatedly drove into on-coming traffic and held his gun up so Sgt. Nakashima could see it. Recognizing that the driver had already tried to kill a police officer and was now threatening innocent people with his driving, Sgt. Nakashima knew he needed to stop the vehicle before innocent people were injured or killed. Despite the danger to himself, Sgt. Nakashima attempted a high-speed Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT). Sgt. Nakashima’s first attempt was unsuccessful, with him nearly rolling his patrol car. After regaining control, Sgt. Nakashima bravely reengaged the driver’s vehicle and was successful in stopping him. Once stopped, the driver failed to comply with Sgt. Nakashima’s commands and pulled his gun, which resulted in assisting officers fatally shooting the suspect.
Sgt. Nakashima’s actions during this incident are to be recognized as embracing the highest ideals of the Idaho State Police. He knowingly exposed himself to great danger to stop a violent criminal and maintained courageous calm in the face of danger. He bravely performed not one but two high-speed PIT maneuvers on an armed suspect, preventing him from reaching a more populated area.
With great pride, ISP awards Sergeant Andrew Nakashima with the Silver Star.
Congratulations and thank you for your service to the community!
Original source can be found here.
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