'We believe it was an intentional act'
Capt. Steve Richardson with ISP says David Turnovec, 29, has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.
Turnovec faces up to 25 years for each aggravated battery charge.
Idaho does not have an attempted murder statute, which is why the charge resulted in battery.
"We believe it was an intentional act," Lt. Brian Zimmerman said.
 John Vance |
Idaho State Police says the two troopers were stopped on the side of Interstate-84 doing routine speed enforcement when a pickup truck hit them head on. The crash occurred at about 3:45 p.m. Thursday near the Eisenman exit.
The troopers have been identified as Cpl. John Vance and Sgt. Chris Duggan. Vance has been treated and released from the hospital, while Duggan is still in the hospital with a broken leg and knee injury.
An officer on scene said it looked like the crash may have been deliberate as both of the motorcycles were hit directly by the truck.
At a press conference Friday, police said there were several indications that led police to believe it was intentional. They say the suspect was cited by a Boise Police motorcycle officer earlier in the day for speeding in a school zone and driving without insurance on Broadway Avenue.
There were also no tire tread marks on the interstate that would indicate Turnovec made any attempt to apply the breaks. Lt. Zimmerman said the troopers were hit at "freeway" speeds.
ISP even said there were tread marks that indicated Turnovec made a last-second adjustment - indicating he was trying to hit the troopers.
"It just makes your sick to your stomach if it was intentional," Zimmerman said. "Why would anyone want to do this and what do they have to gain?"
In court on Friday, prosecutors said the suspect served in the U.S. Military but was discharged because he apparently suffers from paranoid Schizophrenia. He's been hospitalized twice in the past for his condition.
It was also learned in court that Turnovec's family believes he's dangerous and shortly after the crash impact he got out of his car and yelled, "shoot me."
His bond has been set at $500,000 and he has a preliminary hearing date of Nov. 6.
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The Idaho State Police Association has set up an account to help troopers and their families
