Boise Woman Arrested for Stealing Ambulance, Crashing It Into Homeland Security Office

Suspect allegedly tried to set the building on fire but was interrupted by police response.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 43-year-old Boise woman named Sarah Elizabeth George has been arrested and charged with federal crimes for allegedly stealing an ambulance and intentionally crashing it into a Meridian, Idaho building that houses Department of Homeland Security offices. Authorities say George also attempted to set the building on fire using accelerants, but was interrupted by the police response before she could ignite the blaze.

Why it matters

This incident highlights growing concerns about extremist rhetoric and potential violence targeting government buildings and agencies. The Meridian Police Chief warned that "property damage isn't violence" is a false narrative, and that this was an "act of violence" that could have resulted in serious harm if the suspect had not been stopped.

The details

According to police, on the night of February 18, George allegedly stole a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from a hospital parking lot. She then drove the ambulance to a nearby building housing Homeland Security offices, retrieved gas cans that had been staged, and intentionally crashed the ambulance into the building. Investigators believe George poured accelerant around and inside the ambulance in an attempt to set the building on fire, but was interrupted by the police response before she could ignite it.

  • On February 18, 2026 around 11:10 PM, the ambulance was reported stolen from a hospital parking lot.
  • Shortly after, George allegedly drove the stolen ambulance into the Homeland Security building in Meridian.

The players

Sarah Elizabeth George

A 43-year-old Boise woman who has been arrested and charged with federal crimes for the theft of the ambulance and the alleged attempt to set fire to the Homeland Security building.

Tracy Basterrechea

The Meridian Police Chief who warned that "property damage isn't violence" is a false narrative, and that this was an "act of violence" that could have resulted in serious harm.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency whose offices were located in the building that was targeted in the alleged attack.

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What they’re saying

“There has been a lot of rhetoric surrounding the Department of Homeland Security leasing office space at this location. Comments on social media such as 'property damage isn't violence' is absolutely false. This was absolutely an act of violence, and if the suspect had not been interrupted, there is no doubt this building would have been burned, putting the lives of first responders and others at risk.”

— Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Police Chief (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

Federal prosecutors are expected to file charges against Sarah Elizabeth George in the coming days. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the growing threat of extremist rhetoric and violence targeting government buildings and agencies. It serves as a stark reminder that property damage can escalate into life-threatening situations, and that law enforcement must remain vigilant in protecting public safety.