TWIN FALLS, Idaho — August 1, 2026 — A family dog was killed after being struck by gunfire during the chaos surrounding a deadly shooting at a Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger on Saturday afternoon, as investigators continue working to determine the full sequence of events.
Police said the attack began shortly after 1 p.m. near a busy commercial area, where a gunman opened fire, killing three people and injuring several others before the suspect was killed.
Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10.
WATCH HEREAuthorities said hundreds of people were forced to flee as gunfire erupted, with shoppers, restaurant employees and nearby residents running for cover while emergency crews rushed to the scene.
The shooting triggered a large police response, with officers from multiple agencies securing the area, searching nearby streets and treating victims. Roads surrounding the shopping centre remained closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence.
As the investigation expanded beyond the immediate scene, police received reports of additional damage and injuries in nearby areas affected by the gunfire.
One of those incidents involved a resident who was walking their dog on a nearby street when shots were fired. The dog, an eight-year-old golden retriever named Buddy, was struck and later died.
The dog's owner was not physically injured but was left devastated by the loss, according to neighbours who said the family had owned the dog for years.
"It was just a normal afternoon walk," one neighbour said. "Nobody expected something like this to happen here."
Police have not confirmed where the bullet that killed the dog originated from and said investigators are still examining evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, to determine the exact circumstances.
Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood described scenes of panic as people ran from the area, businesses went into lockdown and emergency vehicles flooded surrounding streets.
The shooting has left the Twin Falls community shaken, with local officials urging residents to support one another while investigators continue their work.
Authorities said the motive behind the attack remains under investigation and have asked anyone with photos, video or information from the area at the time of the shooting to contact police.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
No arrests or motives have been announced.
This is a developing story; check back for more details.
