Boise Police Issue a ‘Blue Alert’ in Manhunt: What Does it Mean?

Armed, dangerous, and on the run. Not something we hear often in Boise--but police are working overtime to track down two wanted suspects after a prison break early the morning of Wednesday, March 20th.

The story is like something you would see in a movie or crime series--a prisoner sent to the hospital to be treated for wounds early in the morning had an accomplice waiting outside. Upon the prisoner being returned to transport while exiting the hospital, a gunman fired shots at officers of the Department of Correction--and the prisoner made a run for it.

In a statement released by authorities this afternoon, Boise Police Chief of Police said:

This brazen, violent, and apparently coordinated attack on Idaho Department of Corrections personnel, to facilitate an escape of a dangerous inmate, was carried out right in front of the Emergency Department, where people come for medical help, often in the direst circumstances.  When BPD officers responded, they believed the shooter was inside the Emergency Department. They immediately entered to address any potential continued threat to Emergency Room staff. I am grateful this harrowing incident did not result in loss of life, and we are monitoring the wounded IDOC officers with great hope for a full and speedy recovery of all involved

Now, with most time passing and the manhunt on, images of the escapee and his accomplice been released.

Take a look at one of the newly released images of the escapee, below: 

Have you seen this man anywhere? 

A photo of the suspect wanted for helping Meade escape, is below:

So what is a 'Blue Alert'? We've heard of Amber Alerts and others--but not particularly this 'Blue Alert'.

According to the United States Department of Justice, a Blue Alert is an "imminent and credible threat to law enforcement, or when an officer is missing in the line of duty"--this makes sense as shots were indeed fired at officers in front of the Boise hospital early this morning.

An updated photo of the actual car police are looking for as well as more on the suspects, below: