Press Release: Challis Man Arrested for Alleged Murder in Missing Person Case
CHALLIS, ID — Authorities have made an arrest in the case of a missing 47-year-old man, Patrick Shelton. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 70-year-old Alan Douglas Bruce on Monday, charging him with felony murder and felony destruction of evidence. Shelton was reported missing on May 8 after he failed to return from a trip to the mountains to cut firewood.
Authorities discovered Shelton’s red 2001 Dodge Ram flatbed pickup and his dog around 8:30 p.m. on May 10 in the Big Hill Area, west of Challis. Search efforts to locate Shelton included multiple teams, with resources such as dog units and thermal imaging drones deployed to the area. However, as investigations progressed, the search for Shelton transitioned to a recovery mission.
At a press briefing, Custer County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kathy Rodgers confirmed that Bruce was apprehended without incident. Details surrounding the evidence leading to the charges against Bruce remain unclear. However, due to emerging information, the investigation has classified Shelton’s disappearance as a homicide.
The search operations were officially suspended on May 12 as authorities shifted focus towards recovering Shelton’s remains. The sheriff’s office is continuing its investigation, and court documents regarding Bruce’s case have not yet been made available.
Community members and friends of Shelton remain hopeful for closure as law enforcement actively investigates the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. EastIdahoNews.com will provide updates as more information becomes available.
For ongoing updates, visit East Idaho News.
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