Boise Man Arrested After Gunpoint Confrontation with 3 Teenagers

A seemingly harmless New Year's Day prank took a dangerous turn in south Boise as a 25-year-old man was arrested for aggravated assault after using his gun to intimidate 3 teenagers who had allegedly "toilet-papered" his house. The incident unfolded on Monday, January 1st, 2024, prompting a response from the Ada County Sheriff's Office (ACSO).

According to reports from KTVB and ACSO, it was revealed that there were 3 teenage boys, aged 14 to 17, who were "toilet-papering" people's homes and then driving away. The situation escalated when a homeowner, identified as Al Azzawi, followed them in a tow truck, stopped their car, and brandished a gun.

Azzawi was arrested on 3 felony counts of aggravated assault and booked into the Ada County Jail. This incident, however, has stirred debates among Idahoans about the legal use of firearms to deter pranksters. Though, there are crucial details that deserve more attention.

This story extends far beyond home defense. Notably, Azzawi was not at his home but instead following the teenagers and blocking them with his truck. He didn't warn them to leave his property; instead, he allegedly threatened to shoot them if they didn't comply to his demands and get out of their car. KTVB reported that he grabbed one of the boys, taking turns pointing the gun at all of them, intensifying the fear and intimidation.

As for the 3 teenagers, they were released to their parents, facing no charges at this time. Residents of Boise are reflecting on the incident, and hopefully it serves as a reminder to make good decisions and seek non-violent resolutions to conflicts in an effort to foster a safer, united community.

Read here about a human trafficker from Seattle who was recently arrested in Boise.