(FOX40.COM) — A tragic shooting over the weekend at an In-N-Out in Idaho has touched many people here locally.

The shooting killed three people and injured seven – two critically.

One of the men in critical condition is a former police officer and comes from a law enforcement family that began right here in Sacramento.

Thirty-year-old Austin Scott James’ dad, Marcus, is a retired motor office and his grandparents retired as ranking officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.

They say they are grateful Austin is alive and are very proud of his actions, adding that what he did comes as no surprise.

“When Austin heard the gunshots, he got out of his car to go find out what was going on. Of course, like a law enforcement officer would do, go towards the shots,” Larry James said, who is Austin’s grandfather. “Austin essentially walked around the corner, came face to face with the guy. And that’s when he shot him. He didn’t even have time to pull his weapon. And when he got shot, he retreated to cover. And apparently, the guy spent some time looking for Austin, which obviously delayed his reaction to going after other people.”

Austin remains in the hospital in critical but stable condition.

“He survived it,” his grandmother, Donna James said. “He’s alive. And my personal feeling is, he could’ve easily been taken out. So God has another plan for him… And had him where he needed to be at that time. Because whether he saved one life, ten, who knows. The fact is, he drew that guys attention away. And somebody was able to get out, that couldn’t have gotten out otherwise.”

The Twin Falls Police Department confirmed to Fox 40 tonight that a few people, including Austin, risked their lives to help others, as the shooting was going down.

Born and raised in Sacramento and a graduate of Antelope High, Austin attended college in Idaho, where he became an officer with the Twin Falls Police Department, and later joined Idaho State police.

He is now an electrician by trade.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a police officer for five years, like him, 35 years, me 25 years; it is ingrained in you. And you always going to do, what you need to do,” his grandmother added. “And he stepped up. And I couldn’t be more prouder of the kid.”

They want to thank those who’ve donated to the fund to aid James’ recovery, many of whom are law enforcement and for those who can’t, they’ll be grateful for their prayers.

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