Stolen ambulance rammed into Idaho DHS office in alleged arson attempt

A stolen ambulance was driven into the Portico North building that houses Department of Homeland Security offices shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said, and gasoline or another accelerant was poured in and around the vehicle in what investigators are treating as an attempted arson. No one was injured and no fire took hold, but the crash damaged the ambulance and temporarily removed a critical emergency resource from service.

Meridian police said the suspect allegedly stole the ambulance from a bay at St. Luke’s West hospital in Meridian, maneuvered through a parking area and struck the Portico North building at an estimated speed of about 25 mph. Investigators reported gas cans staged in vegetation between the hospital and Portico North; the suspect retrieved the cans, poured accelerant inside and around the ambulance, then attempted to ignite it before fleeing when responding officers arrived.

Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea said investigators will withhold details that could hinder the inquiry. “Any information that we believe would hinder our investigation will not be released at any time. We want to make sure that this investigation is as clean as possible and that we bring the people responsible to justice,” she said. Basterrechea described the theft and destruction of the emergency vehicle as creating both a risk to responders and a temporary loss for the community. “We want to emphasize that this was a serious criminal act. The theft and destruction of an emergency vehicle not only created a risk to responding personnel, but it also temporarily removed a critical medical resource from the community,” she said.

The suspect remains outstanding. Local television reporting described the individual as wearing a black shirt, tan pants and a medical-style mask. Some accounts identified the vehicle as a Canyon County ambulance; St. Luke’s and Canyon County Paramedics issued statements confirming the incident but said patient services were not affected. Meridian police confirmed the building was unoccupied at the time.

Meridian Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DHS partners, Idaho State Police, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police and Meridian Fire Department. Officials said they are reviewing surveillance footage and collecting forensic evidence at the crash site to determine whether the staging of gas cans indicates planning.

One original report supplied to investigators alleged the attack targeted ICE agents; that specific claim has not been corroborated by other sources and has not been confirmed by police. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to one outlet.

Police said there is no indication of an ongoing broader threat to the public. Investigators are examining the damaged vehicle and scene for leads and have asked anyone with information to contact Meridian Police. Tips may be directed to 208-895-3362 or emailed to crimetips@meridiancity.org.

The case remains open as authorities work to identify the suspect, confirm motive and determine any federal or state charges, including alleged attempted arson and vehicle theft. Reporters and investigators will seek further documentation on ownership of the ambulance, the number and type of gas containers recovered and any surveillance stills that could aid identification.