Idaho man accused of shooting victim because he was always on the phone

HAILEY, Idaho (TCD) -- Deputies arrested a 72-year-old man after he allegedly shot someone at a park because he was annoyed the victim was constantly on this cellphone.

On Friday, Sept. 1, at around 11:30 a.m., Blaine County deputies and Hailey Police Department officers conducted a welfare check at Lion’s Park after receiving a report that someone was screaming for help. When they arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound and transported him to a hospital for treatment. The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect left the scene in a gray car.

The suspect, William Butler, was arrested Sept. 2 on a charge of attempted murder. The Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 34-year-old Michael Bosse and said he was flown to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, then transferred to University of Utah Hospital.

According to court documents cited by Times-News, Butler and his wife regularly walked their dogs at Lion’s Park, and Butler became frustrated with Bosse because he was constantly talking on his phone.

Butler allegedly went to Lion’s Park intending to shoot Bosse, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Officials searched Butler’s home and found a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer on it.

KMVT-TV, which also cites court documents, reports Butler allegedly approached Bosse and asked if Bosse noticed any moose around. When Bosse looked back down at his phone, Butler reportedly shot him above the left eye. The bullet reportedly went through his head and into his right temple.

Bosse told KTVB-TV he "immediately went blind and couldn’t see anything" after getting shot.

He said, "There’s no chance for me to return any of my vision. I will be blind for the rest of my life."

Bosse, who is a dog trainer, will receive additional treatment and testing at the University of Washington, which he said "will be challenging."

Bosse believes Butler’s "intention was for me to die that day," adding, "I hope anyone who is feeling that kind of way, that’s a signal to seek help."

MORE:

• Possible Shooting Correction/Update - Blaine County Sheriff's Office
• Update on Lion's Park Shooting Suspect - Blaine County Sheriff's Office
• Police: Hailey suspect said shooting victim annoyed him - Times-News
• Hailey shooting victim recovering in hospital, while suspect is arraigned - KMVT
• 'I will be blind for the rest of my life': Hailey man recounts random shooting - KTVB