On January 1, 2025, the tranquility of Payette, Idaho, was disrupted when local police responded to a call regarding suspicious activity near a parked railroad car in the 600 block of North 8th Street at around 5:54 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing an individual attempting to ignite an object near the train car, prompting immediate action from the Payette Police Department.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found fresh footprints in the snow leading directly to one of the train cars. Inside, they discovered what was initially suspected to be an undetonated improvised explosive device (IED). The discovery of such a device in a residential area near a railroad track heightened concerns about public safety and potential threats to infrastructure.
The trail of footprints led officers to a nearby camp trailer situated close to a local residence, where they encountered Brent Sharrai, a 40-year-old resident of Payette. Sharrai attempted to evade capture but was quickly apprehended after a short foot chase. He was already wanted on several outstanding warrants in Payette County, which facilitated his arrest. Sharrai was taken into custody and subsequently booked into Payette County Jail on charges that included Possession of a Destructive Device (a felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance (another felony), Possession of Paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and Resisting and Obstructing Officers.
The severity of the situation necessitated the involvement of the Nampa Bomb Squad, who were summoned to handle the suspected IED. To ensure public safety, Union Pacific Railroad was notified, leading to a suspension of all train movements through the area for approximately five hours while the situation was under control. The bomb squad utilized a specialized robot to remove the device from the train car, later disposing of it in a controlled detonation to neutralize any remaining threat. An FBI agent was also present to aid in the investigation, reflecting the gravity of the incident.
A search warrant executed on Sharrai's camp trailer revealed materials consistent with the construction of the IED found in the train car, alongside controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. This discovery not only corroborated the initial findings but also expanded the scope of the investigation, leading to further charges against Sharrai. He remains detained at Payette County Jail, with additional federal charges for possession and manufacturing of a destructive device pending a thorough investigation by the FBI.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the critical role of community vigilance and the rapid response capabilities of local law enforcement. The coordinated efforts between the Payette Police Department, the Nampa Bomb Squad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the FBI were instrumental in averting what could have been a catastrophic event. The Payette community, while shaken, can take some comfort in knowing that the incident was handled with the utmost professionalism and urgency.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present need for public awareness and the readiness of law enforcement to respond to threats that could compromise public safety. The Payette Police Department expressed its appreciation for the collaboration and support from all involved agencies, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the community against such dangers.
