Idaho woman Sarah Elizabeth George steals ambulance, rams it into DHS-leased building
BOISE, IDAHO: Authorities arrested an Idaho woman accused of stealing an ambulance and driving it into a building housing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offices.
Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, allegedly poured gasoline inside the vehicle in an attempt to set the facility on fire, federal prosecutors said.
Ambulance theft and building crash
According to a federal criminal complaint, George took a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance outside St. Luke’s Meridian around 11 p.m. on Feb. 18. She drove it through the entrance of the Portico North building and poured gasoline across the lobby floor before fleeing on foot.
Investigators noted a social media post allegedly made by George the morning of Feb. 18. It included an AI-generated image of the White House on fire with the caption: "If it can be destroyed by truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways."
Authorities said the ambulance was taken while a paramedic crew was transporting a patient. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a dark pickup truck parked near Primary Health about 22 minutes before the theft, and a person matching George’s description approaching the hospital shortly beforehand.
Minutes later, George allegedly parked the ambulance in a nearby lot, poured gasoline inside, and attempted to ignite it. The building has been leased in the past by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Federal charges and possible penalties
George has been arrested and charged with felony attempted destruction of federal property and malicious destruction of property by fire. Dashcam footage from a Meridian police vehicle reportedly captured her crossing Fairview Avenue on foot minutes after the ambulance struck the building. Surveillance cameras later showed her entering a pickup truck and leaving the scene.
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea condemned the act: "This conduct is unacceptable. It will be investigated, and it will be charged to the fullest extent of the law."
The building contains office space leased by the US General Services Administration for DHS and ICE. Each federal charge George faces carries a potential prison term of five to 20 years, according to the criminal complaint filed in US District Court for the District of Idaho.
