Stolen Ambulance Allegedly Driven Into Idaho DHS Office Building in Attempted Arson Attack

State and federal authorities are investigating after a suspect allegedly stole an ambulance, loaded up staged gas cans and plowed the emergency vehicle into a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office in Idaho — in what investigators believe was an attempted arson attack.

Just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, an ambulance was stolen from a bay at St. Luke’s West hospital.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, drove the ambulance through the parking lot and retrieved gas cans that were staged in nearby vegetation, according to Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea.

The suspect then drove the ambulance directly into the North Portico building, which houses DHS offices, Basterrechea said.

Investigators believe the suspect poured an accelerant inside and around the outside of the ambulance.

However, the suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before being scared off by responding agencies, according to Basterrechea.

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Officials said that although the suspect has not been identified or located, there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the broader community.

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