Incident Overview
Authorities are actively searching for an individual who allegedly drove a stolen ambulance into a building in Meridian, Idaho. The building, which houses offices leased by the Department of Homeland Security, was reportedly targeted with the intent to set it on fire.
Details of the Incident
The incident began late Wednesday night when a Canyon County ambulance was reported stolen from the ambulance bay at St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center. According to Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, the suspect drove the ambulance north through the parking lot and retrieved gas cans that were hidden nearby.
The suspect then crashed the ambulance into the Portico North office building. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect attempted to use an accelerant both inside the building and around the ambulance, but was unable to ignite it before law enforcement arrived.
Response from Authorities
Law enforcement and fire crews responded to the scene following a 911 call at 11:10 p.m. The swift response is believed to have prevented the suspect from carrying out the act of arson.
Chief Basterrechea described the event as a violent act that posed significant risks to both first responders and the public. He emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the theft and damage of an emergency vehicle temporarily removed a vital medical resource from the community.
Search and Investigation
Following the incident, the building was thoroughly searched, but no suspect was found. No individuals were inside the ambulance or the building at the time, and there were no reported injuries.
The Meridian Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from federal and state agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Meridian Police Department.
Community Impact
The Portico North building, located at the intersection of Eagle and Franklin roads, is owned by St. Luke’s Health System. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in the area, given the proximity to the hospital and other community resources.
Efforts are being made to ensure that the community remains informed and that such incidents are prevented in the future. The cooperation between local and federal agencies highlights the seriousness with which this case is being handled.
Call for Public Assistance
Authorities have stressed the importance of public assistance in solving this case. Chief Basterrechea has requested that anyone with information contact the Meridian Police Department via phone or email.
The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have not yet commented on the incident. The investigation continues as authorities work to gather more information and identify the suspect involved.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
- Economy & Market – https://idahonews.co/economy-market/
- Opinion – https://idahonews.co/opinion-2/
- Subscribe & Support Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/subscribe-and-support-idaho-news/
About the Author
