PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2026
Man Who Fired at Caldwell Officers During High-Speed Chase Sentenced to Life in Prison
CALDWELL, Idaho — Alfredo Paz, 50, was sentenced today to life in prison for repeatedly firing a handgun at Caldwell police officers during a high-speed chase through Caldwell in September 2025. District Judge Davis F. VanderVelde imposed the sentence on October 29, 2026. Under the terms of Judge VanderVelde’s sentence, Paz will not be eligible for parole for 27 years.
On September 25, 2025, Paz fled a routine traffic stop in Caldwell, driving at speeds up to 80 mph while repeatedly firing a handgun at pursuing officers. After crashing his car, Paz got out and raised the gun toward officers before he was shot in the buttocks and taken into custody.
On July 21, 2026, Paz pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to two counts of assault with intent to commit murder on a law enforcement officer, two counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of eluding a peace officer, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He also admitted a persistent violator enhancement.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Haws asked the court to impose a fixed life sentence, arguing that Paz posed an intolerable risk to law enforcement and the community. Paz’s defense attorney asked the court for a lesser sentence, pointing to generational trauma and urging the court not to let Paz become another statistic of institutionalization.
But Judge VanderVelde was not persuaded. He imposed life in prison with 27 years fixed. “You have regularly throughout your life endangered the lives of members of our community,” he told Paz. He also credited the officers’ bravery and restraint, which preserved Paz’s life despite his repeated attempts to shoot them.
“Police officers risk their lives for us every day. This case shows exactly what that means,” Prosecuting Attorney Chris Boyd said. “Anyone who comes after our officers will face the full force of my office.”
Boyd thanked the Caldwell Police Department for its investigation, as well as the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police Department, and Idaho State Police for their investigative support.