Middleton Police Department

The Middleton Police Department sincerely appreciates Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership, dedication and effective prosecution in bringing this case to a successful conclusion and securing a 30-year sentence for Robert Harris.

This case required more than a year of collaboration, investigation and perseverance. It involved the production and possession of child sexual abuse material involving three victims within our community. These cases are difficult, but the commitment of everyone involved never wavered.

We are proud of what was accomplished through this partnership and grateful for the agencies who worked alongside us to pursue justice for the victims.

The Middleton Police Department will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal partners to protect the children in our community and hold those who exploit them accountable.

UPDATE - HE HAS BEEN LOCATED
***MISSING***
Nathaniel Lyman, 17 years old, last seen wearing a black Adidas shirt, grey sweatpants and a silver necklace. He was last seen by his family in the early morning hours of 09/23/26. If you locate him, please call 911 as he may be in need of medical attention.

The Middleton Police Department is heartbroken to share the 14-year-old bicyclist involved in yesterday’s vehicle vs. bicycle crash near Middleton High School succumbed to his injuries early this morning.

Out of respect for his family, we will not be releasing the young man’s name. Our thoughts are with his parents, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.

The driver, Alyssa Louise Anderson, was arrested and booked into the Canyon County Jail on charges of Vehicular Manslaughter, Aggravated DUI, and Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident.

This remains an active investigation.

We ask our community to keep this young man’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

🚨 ACTIVE INVESTIGATION 🚨

The Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police are currently investigating a vehicle vs. bicycle crash near Middleton High School.

The bicyclist, a Middleton High School student, was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise for medical treatment.

Willis Road is currently CLOSED from Edzell Avenue to Emmett Road while the investigation is ongoing.

Please avoid the area and use an alternate route. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

*UPDATE: Willis Road is now open*

August Stat Snapshot 🚨

NUISANCE ABATEMENT COMPLETED

On August 31st, the Middleton Police Department’s Code Enforcement Specialist executed an administrative warrant for inspection and nuisance abatement at a property on S. Hawthorne Avenue. The abatement was completed on September 5th.

Over the course of the project, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? removed 123 truckloads — approximately 1,845 cubic yards — of nuisance material from the property, including:

• 61 loads of wood
• 13 loads of metal
• 23 loads of general rubbish
• 26 loads of unspecified nuisance material
• 40 tires
• 10+ dead animals

Code Enforcement also conducted an inspection of the residence alongside the City Building Official and Deputy Chief Fire Marshal. Due to conditions observed inside the structure, additional steps will be taken to address the residence.

The property owner is responsible for the costs associated with the nuisance abatement.

This was a significant undertaking and an important step toward addressing long-standing nuisance and safety concerns at the property. We appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved in getting the job done and helping keep Middleton a safe, clean community.

Today, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001 and to honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, military members and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

We remember those who ran toward danger. We remember the families whose lives were forever changed. We remember the unity, compassion and strength that followed one of our nation’s darkest days.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Middleton community. The cards, treats, gifts and kind words brought to our department this week mean more than you know. Your support is a powerful reminder of the bond between first responders and the community we are honored to serve.

25 years later, we still remember.
We will never forget. 🇺🇸

🚨 ROBBERY ARREST

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Middleton Police Department officers responded to Jackson’s after a 20-year-old male entered the store and attempted to steal a bottle of liquor.

When confronted by a store clerk, the suspect pointed what appeared to be a fi***rm at the clerk. The weapon was later determined to be an Ai***ft pistol that had been painted to resemble a real fi***rm.

After leaving the store, the suspect confronted responding officers and attempted to provoke officers into using deadly force. Officers were ultimately able to take the suspect into custody without further injury.

The suspect was booked into the Canyon County Jail on charges of Robbery, Burglary, and two counts of Assault and is being held on a $250,000 bond.

This incident is a reminder that imitation fi***rms can pose a serious threat and create dangerous situations for our community and responding officers. An Ai***ft pistol made to look like a real fi***rm can be nearly indistinguishable from an actual weapon during a rapidly evolving encounter.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

JUSTICE. ACCOUNTABILITY. HEALING.

On September 9, 2025, the Middleton Police Department began an investigation into a case involving Domestic Battery with Traumatic Injury and Attempted Strangulation. Today, nearly one year later, that investigation has reached a significant conclusion.

Christopher Cole was sentenced today by Judge Grove at the Canyon County Courthouse. For Domestic Battery with Traumatic Injury, Cole received 5 years fixed, followed by 10 years indeterminate.

For Attempted Strangulation, Cole received 5 years fixed, followed by 15 years indeterminate.

For the victim in this case, today's sentencing represents far more than the conclusion of a criminal investigation. It represents the end of a long and painful chapter.

The abuse endured by the victim spanned approximately 20 years. Twenty years of fear, trauma and unimaginable challenges. While a sentence cannot erase what happened, today's outcome provides accountability for those actions and, hopefully, an opportunity for the victim to finally begin the healing process.

Domestic violence does not always happen behind closed doors that stay closed. It can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and it can take tremendous courage for a victim to come forward and seek help.

The Middleton Police Department recognizes the strength it takes to break that cycle. We commend the victim in this case for having the courage and perseverance to see this difficult journey through to the end.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Advocates Against Family Violence for the support, advocacy and resources they provide to victims navigating cases such as this. Their work is an invaluable part of helping victims move forward.

We also thank the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for their dedication to this case, their work with the victim, and their commitment to pursuing justice and accountability.

Today, justice was served.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. Help is available.

Please contact the Middleton Police Department or Advocates Against Family Violence for support or assistance.

SENTENCED TO LIFE

Albert Eric Hernandez was indicted in February 2025 on charges related to lewd conduct with a minor and was held at the Canyon County Jail on a $1 million bond.

On September 1, 2026, Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison, with 30 years fixed.

The Middleton Police Department recognizes the importance of holding offenders accountable and protecting our community. This sentence marks an important step toward justice for the victim and their family.