A stolen ambulance loaded with cans of gasoline and driven into a federal building could have ended in disaster, but the suspect fled before striking a match, leaving investigators scrambling to figure out why.
Story Overview
- The suspect stole a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance at 11:10 p.m. at St. Luke’s West in Meridian, Idaho, and rammed it into a building housing DHS offices.
- Pre-arranged gasoline cans collected from the bushes indicate deliberate planning; the accelerator spilled around the vehicle but never ignited before the suspect fled
- The multi-agency manhunt involving the FBI, local police and state agencies continues, with the suspect still at large.
- The building was empty at the time of the attack, there were no injuries despite serious structural damage.
- The suspect’s description includes a black shirt, beige pants and a medical-style mask
A calculated attack on federal territory
The suspect carried out a meticulously planned attack on the St. Luke’s Portico North building near Eagle Road and Franklin Road in Meridian, Idaho. The building rents space from the Department of Homeland Security, making it federal property and increasing the severity of the crime. Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea called the incident exceptionally serious, noting the risk of mass casualties if the accelerator had ignited. The ambulance hit the building at approximately 40 km/h, causing significant structural damage, but not causing complete devastation.
Premeditation reveals disturbing intent
The pre-arrangement of gasoline cans in the bushes between the Portico Building and St. Luke’s Hospital demonstrates clear pre-planning. The suspect knew exactly where to get the accelerator after stealing the emergency vehicle. This level of preparation distinguishes the incident from impulsive criminal acts and suggests a targeted motivation against the federal presence in the building. Canyon County Paramedic Chief Michael Stowell confirmed his full cooperation with investigators while emphasizing that no patients or medical personnel were injured in the robbery.
Empty building prevents tragedy
The timing of the attack – from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning – proved crucial in preventing loss of life. DHS offices were unoccupied and the medical complex had minimal night-time staffing. Had the building been populated during business hours, the combination of vehicle impact and potential fire could have resulted in significant casualties. The suspect’s decision to pour accelerant around the stolen ambulance indicates an intent to cause maximum destruction, but investigators remain unsure whether the attacker failed to ignite the gasoline or fled when surprised by responding officers.
Multi-agency response mobilizes resources
The attack sparked an immediate multi-jurisdictional response involving the Meridian Police Department as lead investigator, with support from the FBI, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police, Meridian Fire Department and Idaho State Police. FBI involvement reflects federal interest due to targeting of DHS facilities. The scale of agency involvement underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident. St. Luke’s Health System confirmed that there were no interruptions in medical services despite the thefts occurring on hospital premises, demonstrating institutional resilience in crisis situations.
Suspect remains elusive despite description
Investigators released a partial description of the suspect: He wore a black shirt, beige pants and a medical-style mask that could have been used to conceal his identity or blend in in a health care environment. Despite this information and active tip lines, no arrests have been made. The suspect’s ability to evade capture raises questions about planning and escape routes. Officials say there is no ongoing public threat, although residents of Meridian, a rapidly growing Boise suburb, have expressed understandable concerns about safety. The investigation continues with tips directed to 208-895-3362 or [email protected].
Wider implications for security
This incident reveals vulnerabilities in how emergency vehicles are secured at medical facilities and how federal offices located in leased commercial spaces are protected. The ease with which the suspect accessed and stole a fully functional ambulance suggests potential gaps in vehicle safety protocols at hospitals across the country. For DHS and other federal agencies operating in shared buildings, the attack demonstrates that soft targets remain attractive to individuals with anti-government motivations. The lack of casualties should not diminish the seriousness of what could have been a devastating terrorist act on American soil.
Sources:
Stolen ambulance crashes into DHS office building in Meridian; the suspect is still at large
Stolen ambulance crashes into DHS office building in Meridian; the suspect is still at large
Stolen ambulance crashes into DHS office building in Meridian; the suspect is still at large
Stolen ambulance crashes into DHS office building in Meridian; the suspect is still at large
Stolen ambulance crashes into DHS office building in Meridian; the suspect is still at large
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