Manhunt is launched after three Idaho corrections officers are shot and wounded as gunman busts inmate out of hospital in brazen ambush
A manhunt has been launched after a gunman carried out a brazen attack on an Idaho hospital to free an inmate, seriously wounding three corrections officers.
The gunman opened fire on inmates who had taken Skylar Meade, 31, to St Alphonse Hospital in Boise, Idaho, for treatment early Wednesday morning.
As they prepared to return to the jail, an unknown suspect began shooting at officers, striking two of them.
Boise Police responded to the incident and an officer shot an armed individual at the entrance, who was later determined to be a corrections officer.
The gunman opened fire on inmates who had taken Skylar Meade, seen here, to St Alphonse Hospital in Boise, Idaho, for treatment early Wednesday morning.
Preliminary investigation indicates Meade escaped in a gray four-door sedan, seen here, and fled the area moments before officers arrived.
A spokesperson for Saint Alphonsus said the shooting took place in the ambulance room at the emergency department
One officer is in critical but stable condition, another has serious but non-life-threatening injuries and the third was not seriously injured when he was accidentally shot by an arriving Boise police officer, a spokesperson said.
The search continues for Meade and the accomplice, who is believed to have left the area in a gray sedan with Idaho license plates.
According to Boise police, a preliminary investigation indicates Meade escaped in a gray four-door sedan and fled the area moments before officers arrived.
Meade served a prison sentence for aggravated battery on a Twin Falls officer and was convicted in 2016 and was set to be released in 2036, according to KMVT.
He has prior convictions including possession of a controlled substance, theft and introducing contraband into a correctional facility.
He has been imprisoned since October 2016 and his most recent sentence was due to end in October 2036.
Chief Ron Winegar said in a statement: “This brazen, violent and apparently coordinated attack on Idaho Department of Corrections personnel to facilitate the escape of a dangerous inmate was carried out right in front of the emergency department, where people come for medical care.” staff. help, often in the most dire circumstances.
âWhen BPD officers responded, they believed the shooter was in the Emergency Department.
A police vehicle is parked outside Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024
This photo from the Idaho Department of Corrections shows Skylar Mead in a mugshot
The search continues for Meade and the accomplice, who is believed to have left the area in a gray sedan with Idaho license plates.
âThey immediately moved in to address any ongoing threats to ER staff.
âI am grateful that this distressing incident did not result in loss of life, and we follow the injured IDOC officers with great hope for a full and speedy recovery for all involved.â
âWe are cautioning anyone who may have contact with the suspects involved in this violent attack and may escape to call 911 immediately and not confront them in person.
“They are armed, dangerous and have demonstrated a willingness to use extreme violence to further their criminal activities.”
A spokesperson for Saint Alphonsus said the shooting took place in the ambulance room at the emergency department.
âAll patients and staff are safe, the medical center campus is safe and secure and has resumed normal operations.
âThe emergency department itself is currently on temporary lockdown while Boise Police complete their investigation,â Leticia Ramirez said.
She said as an extra precaution, “we have increased security on campus, all entrances to the hospital will be closed” and monitored by hospital security until further notice.