Suspect Arrested in Weekend Shooting Near Boise State Campus

News shocked the Treasure Valley following news that a late night shooting had taken place near the campus of Boise State University late Saturday / early Sunday.

Alerts went out from the university's emergency communications system advising students in the area to stay indoors and away from the commotion.

We're beyond lucky to live in an area where crime rates are low and we look out for one another. Boise is, overall, a very safe metro. Sometimes, however, one person will 'ruin' the vibe for all of us.

That's exactly what took place near campus.

As bars closed downtown Boise on Saturday night, many on the sidewalks had heard of the investigation happening just blocks away--and those on campus were concerned. Following an altercation near Boise State, a person had been shot and was facing life-threatening injuries.

The suspect, who police spent several hours searching for, eventually turned herself in.

The woman arrested was 21-year-old Sophie Rains.

Following the arrest, Boise Police offered an update on the situation:

On May 17, 2026, at approximately 12:45 AM, Boise Police were called to the area between W. Belmont St. and S. Longmont Ave. for reports that a person had been shot. Upon arrival, they found a male with two gunshot wounds. Boise Police and Ada County Paramedics treated the patient at the scene and then transported him to St. Alphonsus Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police searched the area for the suspect; she was eventually identified and turned herself in to the Boise Police station.

 

While the suspect has been brought into custody, police are still seeking more information, including video (perhaps from standers-by or even doorbell / home cameras) and in-person witnesses.

If you or someone you now has any information on the case, police ask that you contact Ada County's non-emergency dispatch line at 208-377-6790.