Advisory
MERIDIAN- On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Meridian Police Department, in partnership with the Garden City Police Department, utilized the Special Tactics Group (STG) to assist with two separate incidents that led to the safe arrest of two suspects.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of NW 12th Avenue in Meridian for a report of a family fight that had turned physical. An arrest warrant was obtained for 46-year-old Johnny AMARO of Meridian for Aggravated Assault. When attempting to arrest AMARO, he refused to comply with officers and surrender. The Meridian/Garden City Special Tactics Group (STG) was activated along with members of the Boise Police Special Operations Unit to safely take AMARO into custody.
Officers attempted numerous de-escalation strategies, including phone calls, public address announcements, and other negotiation efforts. AMARO refused to cooperate and remained barricaded inside his residence. During the incident, AMARO destroyed a Meridian Police interior drone. After several hours, STG officers entered the residence, and a police K9 was deployed. AMARO was taken into custody, treated on scene by tactical medics, transported to a local hospital, and later booked into the Ada County Jail for Aggravated Assault (Felony), Malicious Injury to Property (Felony) and Resisting/Obstructing Officers (Misdemeanor).
A second incident occurred just hours later in Garden City. At approximately 2:55 a.m. on August 25, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. 44th Street for a report of a domestic battery. The suspect, Rodney SAENZ, had allegedly battered his girlfriend, causing her to fall onto her 2-month-old baby.The baby did not sustain any injuries as a result of the fall. Officers attempted to contact SAENZ by phone and public address system but were unsuccessful. The Meridian/Garden City Special Tactics Group (STG) was activated, along with members of the Boise Police Special Operations Unit. Negotiators with the Meridian/Garden City Crisis Negotiation Team made phone contact with SAENZ and successfully convinced him to exit the residence and surrender peacefully.
Saenz was arrested and booked into the Ada County Jail for Attempted Strangulation (Felony) and Domestic Battery (Felony).
The Meridian Police Department reminds the public that situations involving violence or threats of violence can escalate quickly. If you ever feel unsafe or believe someone is in danger, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency concerns, please contact non-emergency dispatch at (208) 377-6790.
The Meridian Police Department extends its gratitude to the Garden City Police Department, the Boise Police Department Special Operations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and K9 team, and the Crisis Negotiation Team for their partnership and commitment to safely resolving these incidents.
Meridian Police Department Special Tactics Group Assists with Two Arrests in One Night
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 25th, 2025
CONTACT: Jordan Robinson, Public Safety PIO 208-846-7360 or [email protected]
Meridian Police Department Special Tactics Group Assists with Two Arrests in One Night
MERIDIAN- On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Meridian Police Department, in partnership with the Garden City Police Department, utilized the Special Tactics Group (STG) to assist with two separate incidents that led to the safe arrest of two suspects.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of NW 12th Avenue in Meridian for a report of a family fight that had turned physical. An arrest warrant was obtained for 46-year-old Johnny AMARO of Meridian for Aggravated Assault. When attempting to arrest AMARO, he refused to comply with officers and surrender. The Meridian/Garden City Special Tactics Group (STG) was activated along with members of the Boise Police Special Operations Unit to safely take AMARO into custody.
Officers attempted numerous de-escalation strategies, including phone calls, public address announcements, and other negotiation efforts. AMARO refused to cooperate and remained barricaded inside his residence. During the incident, AMARO destroyed a Meridian Police interior drone. After several hours, STG officers entered the residence, and a police K9 was deployed. AMARO was taken into custody, treated on scene by tactical medics, transported to a local hospital, and later booked into the Ada County Jail for Aggravated Assault (Felony), Malicious Injury to Property (Felony) and Resisting/Obstructing Officers (Misdemeanor).
A second incident occurred just hours later in Garden City. At approximately 2:55 a.m. on August 25, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. 44th Street for a report of a domestic battery. The suspect, Rodney SAENZ, had allegedly battered his girlfriend, causing her to fall onto her 2-month-old baby.The baby did not sustain any injuries as a result of the fall. Officers attempted to contact SAENZ by phone and public address system but were unsuccessful. The Meridian/Garden City Special Tactics Group (STG) was activated, along with members of the Boise Police Special Operations Unit. Negotiators with the Meridian/Garden City Crisis Negotiation Team made phone contact with SAENZ and successfully convinced him to exit the residence and surrender peacefully.
Saenz was arrested and booked into the Ada County Jail for Attempted Strangulation (Felony) and Domestic Battery (Felony).
The Meridian Police Department reminds the public that situations involving violence or threats of violence can escalate quickly. If you ever feel unsafe or believe someone is in danger, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency concerns, please contact non-emergency dispatch at (208) 377-6790.
The Meridian Police Department extends its gratitude to the Garden City Police Department, the Boise Police Department Special Operations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and K9 team, and the Crisis Negotiation Team for their partnership and commitment to safely resolving these incidents.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 151 police officers, and 46 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 151 police officers, and 46 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Address/Location
Meridian Police Department
1401 E Watertower St
Meridian, ID 83642
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 208-888-6678
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP MERIDIAN followed by your message, to 888777