Boise Woman Arrested in Idaho’s Shocking Stolen Ambulance Investigation

Last Thursday, a shocking headline graced the front of most local and national news outlets. Meanwhile, a popular intersection in Meridian looked like the scene of the popular video game 'Grand Theft Auto'--although this incident was very real, very dangerous, and not 'fun', at all.

At the time of the incident, details were limited--an since the investigation began, authorities shared more about why an ambulance was in the middle of Portico North's lobby--having driven right through the front doors.

According to the Meridian Police Department, things began around 10:00 p.m. when a 911 call came in to dispatch--reporting that an ambulance had been stolen from the bay at a local hospital, St. Luke's West. The suspect that stole the ambulance then drove across the parking lot to retrieve gas cans which police believe were left there, staged, for retrieval.

Police say that the suspect then drove the ambulance directly into the North Portico building.

It appears that the suspect poured the accelerant around the ambulance once crashed inside of the building, but was unable to ignite a fire before fleeing due to police response.

During a press conference on Monday, February 23rd, Meridian's Chief of Police shared that an arrest had been made and police believe that the subject in custody is indeed the person responsible for this dangerous attempt at destruction.

A Boise resident, 43-year-old Sarah Elizabeth George, was taken into custody after several days of canvasing and investigating by multiple agencies.

While innocent until proven guilty, each charge that George faces carries sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison.

At this time, George is facing federal charges for:

• Attempted Destruction of Federal Property by Fire
• Malicious Destruction of Property Used in of Affecting Interstate Commerce by Fire

The manhunt was led by Meridian Police, with the assistance from the Idaho State Police, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security.

It is of note that this building, North Portico, has been in the news recently for leasing space to the Department of Homeland Security.