Boise River Greenbelt safety debate returns after fatal stabbing: what officials say now
After a July 6 fatal stabbing on the Boise River Greenbelt, Boise Police say patrols have increased and residents should report suspicious activity—investigation ongoing.
After a fatal stabbing on the Boise River Greenbelt on July 6, Boise Police say they’ve stepped up their visible presence on and around the trail while a homicide investigation remains ongoing.
What Boise Police say happened
In a July 8 public notice, Boise Police said detectives responded to a report of an “unresponsive” man on the north side of the Greenbelt near 11th Street on July 6, around 7:30 a.m.
The Ada County Coroner identified the victim as 25-year-old Jordan Harbst. Boise Police said detectives are not releasing the manner of death at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
Boise Police also previously said officers quickly secured the scene, closing the Northside Greenbelt between Pioneer Pathway and 11th St. Detour signs were posted, and the impacted stretch was expected to remain closed for several more hours while investigators processed the scene.
What changed after the homicide
Along with asking the public for information, Boise Police said the department has increased patrols along the Greenbelt “as an added safety measure” while the investigation continues.
Local reporting said Boise Police Lt. Corey Smith described the response during a July 13 news conference as a step meant to address heightened public concern in the wake of two violent incidents that week. The department said it would assign additional officers to supplement the bicycle officers who already patrol the pathway seven days a week. The reporting also said five school resource officers were assigned to assist with patrols, and night-shift officers would spend time on the pathway when available.
Smith also said he couldn’t quantify the increased patrol amount and described the effort as temporary while police respond to community concerns, with no planned end date.
Patrol presence meets lighting work
Officials’ messaging has paired the patrol increase with ongoing safety improvements on the trail. Idaho Statesman reported that Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle said the city has invested nearly $2 million in Greenbelt safety improvements over the past four years, including installing light posts near the Willow Lane Athletic Complex in 2025. The lights operate from dusk to dawn and cover about a mile of the pathway.
That same reporting said some areas—near North 11th Street (where Harbst was found) and near South Ferguson Street—do not have continuous lighting posts. Arkle said the city would continue working with the community to identify where lighting is needed and try to find funding and support.
What residents are being told to do now
Boise Police’s July 8 notice asks people who were on or near the Greenbelt between the evening of July 5 and the morning of July 6 to contact police if they witnessed anything unusual or suspicious.
That includes anyone who saw a person involved in (or appearing involved in) a violent encounter, or who saw suspicious behavior—even if it seemed minor at the time. Boise Police also asked people to come forward if they experienced or witnessed a violent encounter on or near the Greenbelt within the past few years that was never reported to law enforcement.
The notice also emphasizes practical safety reminders for Greenbelt users:
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
- Walk, run, or bike with others when possible.
- Avoid wearing headphones or anything that limits your ability to hear or observe.
- If you see something suspicious, report it to police.
Boise Police said people should call 911 immediately if they witness suspicious activity or believe a crime is occurring.
What remains under investigation (and what’s known now)
Boise Police said the homicide investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available. As of the July 8 notice, detectives said no suspect had been identified.
For Greenbelt users, officials’ main “right now” takeaway is straightforward: expect more visible police presence, and report concerns quickly. At the same time, the broader community question about what “prevention” should look like on public trails is resurfacing—officials are pointing to both enforcement/visibility (patrols and reporting) and environmental safety steps (like lighting improvements) as part of the response.
Sources
- City of Boise — Boise Police Seek Public's Help in Ongoing Homicide Investigation (official notice)
- Idaho Matters (Boise State Public Radio) — Boise officials address public safety concerns along the Greenbelt
- Idaho Statesman — Boise police increase Greenbelt patrols following recent violent crimes
- BoiseDev AM newsletter — Greenbelt homicide update + links/context (July 9, 2026)
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