A Bonner County man who allegedly pointed a gun at a deputy and shot a K-9, badly injuring the dog, is dead after exchanging gunfire with police Tuesday night, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

KCSO identified the suspect as 45-year-old Derek R. Martin. 

Lt. Zach Sifford said Wednesday it’s not yet confirmed whether Martin died from a self-inflicted gunshot or whether police fatally shot him. 

“That is still under investigation,” he said, adding that deputies returned fire when Martin shot at them. 

KCSO responded around 8:20 p.m. Tuesday to the area of Wolf Creek Lodge Road and East Alder Creek Road following reports of “a suspicious male who was armed and had contacted children in the area,” later identified as Martin. 

After deputies contacted Martin, he allegedly pointed a gun at an officer and fled. K-9 Appa tracked Martin, who allegedly fired several rounds, striking the dog. 

“Several minutes later, a deputy-involved shooting occurred and the suspect was later pronounced deceased,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. 

Appa, a Malinois commissioned by the sheriff’s office in 2022, sustained “significant injuries” in the shooting. 

“He is still in surgery as we speak,” Sifford said early Wednesday afternoon. 

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said his agency’s “hearts and prayers” are with Appa, his handler and all police who responded to the incident Tuesday night. 

“K-9 Appa performed with exceptional courage and professionalism,” Norris said in a news release. “His actions undoubtedly helped protect our deputies and officers from serious injury or death. On behalf of our community, I want to thank Appa for his outstanding service.” 

The Idaho State Police are investigating the shooting.