Woman Arrested After Crashing Ambulance Into DHS Offices
Posted on 02/27/26 at 11:49
- Ambulance Stolen in Idaho
- Vehicle Crashes Into DHS Offices
- Facing Serious Federal Charges
According to USA TODAY, a woman crashed an ambulance into a building housing offices of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Idaho, prosecutors and local authorities said.
Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, was arrested following the incident in Meridian, a suburb of Boise, on Wednesday, February 18.
Police said the woman stole an ambulance and drove it into an office building before spraying gasoline inside and around the vehicle.
Authorities reported no injuries.
What Happened in Meridian
Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, pleaded not guilty to federal charges after allegedly stealing a St. Luke’s ambulance in Meridian, Idaho, crashing it into a building housing Department of Homeland Security offices and pouring gasoline inside. (Idaho News) https://t.co/QHyJQInmry pic.twitter.com/e9x67EOLc9
— NTC Report (@NTC_Report) February 25, 2026
According to police, George allegedly stole an ambulance belonging to Canyon County Paramedics that was parked outside the emergency department at St. Luke’s Health System in Meridian around 11 p.m. local time.
Court documents obtained by USA TODAY indicate that shortly afterward, surveillance footage showed the suspect stopping in a nearby parking lot.
There, she reportedly loaded the ambulance with at least two gasoline cans and a plastic bag.
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She then drove the vehicle through the south entrance of a nearby office building.
According to court documents, Sarah Elizabeth George began pouring gasoline across the lobby floor.
When officers from the Meridian Police Department arrived, the woman fled on foot.
Investigation and Arrest of Sarah Elizabeth George
The Meridian Police Department stated on February 24 that investigators believe the crash was intentional and that George attempted to set fire to the ambulance and potentially the building.
Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea announced at a press conference that the suspect was arrested on Monday, February 23, following five days of investigation.
“It was traditional police work that brought us to where we are tonight,” Basterrechea said.
“These investigators literally went door to door, searching for possible camera footage, potential witnesses, and other information and evidence.”
The investigation involved the Idaho State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage showing Sarah Elizabeth George purchasing gasoline at a local station.
They also examined store receipts from area businesses, which helped identify her.
According to court documents, investigators found what appeared to be her Facebook page, which included political posts critical of ICE and DHS.
One post reportedly read: “If the truth can destroy it, let it destroy it; it was built on lies anyway.”
The post was accompanied by an image of the White House engulfed in flames and smoke, according to the documents.
Federal Charges and Potential Consequences
Sarah Elizabeth George faces charges of attempted destruction of federal property by fire and malicious destruction of property used in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, police said.
Investigators determined that the U.S. General Services Administration had leased office space in the building for DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Idaho Capital Sun reported that the building is owned by St. Luke’s Health System and that the space was being used as an administrative office for DHS.
Authorities stated that the investigation into the Idaho ambulance DHS crash remains ongoing and that additional charges could be filed.
