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Home > News > Ada County Deputy injured during fatal confrontation on I-84 last week remains hospitalized

Ada County Deputy injured during fatal confrontation on I-84 last week remains hospitalized

An Ada County Sheriff’s deputy continues to recover after being seriously injured during a fatal confrontation with a man armed with a knife on Interstate 84 earlier this month.

Deputy Todd Nelson, who is being treated for stab and gunshot wounds he sustained during the struggle, has undergone several surgeries and has begun what appears to be a lengthy recovery.

The man responsible, 40-year-old Jared Decker, died after the confrontation.

Decker pulled out a knife and attacked deputy Nelson, dragging him to the ground and stabbing him multiple times during the struggle.

The fight ended when two other ACSO deputies shot Decker as he fought with Nelson on the ground.

Ada County Coroner reports say Decker’s cause of death were multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.

It appears at least one of the rounds fired by those deputies either directly or indirectly struck Todd Nelson, who was fighting with Decker, in the legs.

Medical reports indicate the stabbing injuries will likely result in long-term and demanding recovery. The bullet wound does not appear to be significant.

County Sheriff Matt Clifford has reviewed all the initial reports and determined our deputies saved Todd Nelson’s life by stopping Decker from continuing to attack with the knife.

“I’m proud of our deputies. The violence erupted so suddenly, and they did not hesitate. Not for a second,” Clifford said. “Their quick decision-making during such a confusing and chaotic situation stopped a fatal attack. I am beyond grateful.”

Investigators with the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force are still actively investigating what happened during the confrontation.

An ACSO use of force and policy review will also be done to help determine what happened and what our agency can specifically learn from this encounter if similar situation occurs in the future.