A suspect stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s and rammed it into an office building in Meridian on Thursday morning before attempting to set it on fire, police said. The Meridian Police Department said the ambulance was taken from the hospital and driven into the St. Luke’s Portico North building, which houses Department of Homeland Security offices, WJAR reported.
The suspect, according to police, staged gas cans in nearby bushes before crashing the ambulance into the building. Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea said the suspect poured gasoline, or another accelerant, in and around the ambulance but was unable to ignite it before fleeing.
St. Luke’s said the incident did not impact patient services. No one was inside the building at the time of the crash.
Canyon County Paramedics said the ambulance was taken at approximately 11:10 p.m. from the St. Luke’s West location.
“At approximately 11:10 p.m. yesterday, a vehicle identified as a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance was unlawfully taken from the St. Luke’s West location,” the agency said.
“The individual who took the ambulance crashed the vehicle into the St. Luke’s North building located near Eagle Road and Franklin Road in Meridian.”
“No Canyon County Paramedics personnel were inside the ambulance at the time of the incident.”
“There are currently no confirmed injuries to members of the public or first responders connected to this event.”
“Our priority remains the safety and well being of the community and our staff.”
“We are cooperating fully with responding agencies and extend our gratitude to the Meridian Police Department and other partners for their support in this situation,” said Canyon County Paramedics Chief Michael Stowell.
“This is an ongoing investigation handled by Meridian Police Department.”
“No further information will be released at this time.”
Basterrechea said the case is being treated as a very serious crime that could have put several people in danger if the suspect had managed to start a fire.
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The suspect remains at large.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation along with the Meridian Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Meridian Fire Department and Idaho State Police.