Suspect Steals Ambulance, Drives Into Idaho Building Housing DHS Offices

Police search for individual who poured accelerant on stolen vehicle and attempted to set it on fire

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Authorities in Meridian, Idaho are searching for a suspect who stole an ambulance from a local hospital, poured an accelerant over the vehicle, and then drove it into a nearby building that houses U.S. Department of Homeland Security offices. The suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before fleeing the scene, but the incident caused significant damage to the building's entrance.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about security and potential threats to government facilities, as well as the broader issue of rhetoric around immigration enforcement and its potential to incite violence. The case also highlights the risks posed by stolen emergency vehicles and the need for robust security measures to protect critical infrastructure.

The details

According to Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, the suspect took the ambulance from St. Luke's hospital and drove it north through a parking lot. The suspect then retrieved gas cans from nearby vegetation and poured an accelerant over the inside and outside of the vehicle. However, the suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before being scared off by responding agencies. Images show shattered glass doors at the entrance of the office building, which is owned by St. Luke's Health System and houses several tenants including the Department of Homeland Security.

  • The incident occurred at around 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Tracy Basterrechea

Meridian Police Chief, who is leading the investigation into the incident.

St. Luke's Health System

The owner of the office building that was targeted in the attack, and the operator of the hospital from which the ambulance was stolen.

Department of Homeland Security

A federal agency that leases office space in the building targeted in the attack.

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What they’re saying

“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 (boston.com)

What’s next

The Meridian Police Department is leading the investigation and is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for heightened security measures to protect critical infrastructure and government facilities, as well as the importance of addressing the underlying social and political tensions that may have motivated the attack. The case also highlights the risks posed by the theft of emergency vehicles and the potential for such incidents to escalate into serious threats to public safety.