Ambulance Stolen, Filled With Gas, Crashes Into Idaho DHS Office
MERIDIAN, Idaho — In the late hours of Wednesday, February 18, an unidentified suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s West hospital in Meridian, Idaho, then drove the emergency vehicle into an office building that houses U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administrative offices, law enforcement officials said.
The incident — under active investigation by local, state, and federal authorities — unfolded around 11:10 p.m. in the Portico North business complex. Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea described the crash as a “serious criminal act” and said the suspect is still at large.
🚨 BREAKING: Stolen ambulance rammed into the Portico North building in Meridian, Idaho — police say no injuries but suspect still at large. Authorities investigating possible arson attempt. #IdahoNews #DHS
Police say the suspect not only stole the ambulance, but also retrieved gas cans that had been pre-staged in nearby vegetation. After ramming the vehicle into the building’s exterior, the individual allegedly poured an accelerant inside and around the ambulance in what officials are treating as an attempted arson.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, there were no reported injuries to hospital personnel, first responders, or members of the public. The suspect was not apprehended at the scene, and authorities continue to canvass the area and interview potential witnesses.
Police described the suspect in broad terms — indicating a person wearing a black shirt, tan pants and a medical-style mask — but have not released an identity or motive. The investigation remains complex and multi-agency, with involvement from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Idaho State Police, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department and DHS.
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Structural and Operational Impact
Video from the scene and images shared by law enforcement show shattered glass and structural damage around the entrance of the Portico North building. The building is part of a larger complex that includes medical providers and insurance offices, along with DHS administrative functions.
Canyon County Paramedics issued a statement confirming that an ambulance — a critical emergency resource — was unlawfully taken. In a written release, the agency stressed that patient services at St. Luke’s remain unaffected and emphasized cooperation with law enforcement in managing the situation.
“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of the community and our staff,” said Canyon County Paramedics Chief Michael Stowell, reinforcing that no confirmed injuries are connected to the incident.
Law Enforcement Response
At a press briefing, Chief Basterrechea catalogued the sequence of events and condemned rhetoric minimizing the severity of the act. He underscored that theft of an emergency vehicle and attempted arson are inherently violent criminal offenses that could have endangered first responders and civilians had the accelerant ignited.
Authorities have established that gas cans were placed ahead of time near the hospital, indicating a degree of premeditation. Basterrechea declined to release details that might compromise the ongoing investigation, urging the public to withhold speculative narratives that could hinder law enforcement efforts.
Broader Context and Public Reaction
The Portico North building has drawn attention in recent months because of controversy over its lease agreements with DHS. Critics periodically express disagreement with federal immigration enforcement policies — though police explicitly warned against classifying violent criminal acts as legitimate protest.
Community leaders have reiterated that peaceful civic engagement must never devolve into behavior that jeopardizes public safety or undermines rule of law. “This was absolutely an act of violence,” Basterrechea said, noting that if the accelerant had ignited, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials continue to search for the suspect, using surveillance footage, witness statements and forensic evidence gathered at the scene. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Meridian Police Department with tips that could lead to an arrest.
No arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to publicly define a motive. However, charging decisions — once the suspect is in custody — are expected to be severe, given the alleged nature of the offense and the deliberate risk posed to both emergency infrastructure and lives.
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