Boise, Idaho – Police authorities are actively pursuing a white supremacist who orchestrated a brazen escape from custody during a shootout at an Idaho hospital, resulting in the injury of three prison staff members. The incident unfolded as Skylar Meade, a convicted member of the Aryan Knights white supremacist group, was being escorted out of the medical facility following treatment. Shots rang out, believed to have originated from within the hospital’s emergency department, leading to chaos and violence.
The attacker, identified as Nicholas Umphenour, fired upon two prison officers, seriously wounding one, before fleeing the scene with Meade in a getaway car. A chain of events ensued where responding officers mistakenly targeted a prison staff member, causing further harm. Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar condemned the violent and coordinated attack on Idaho Department of Corrections personnel, conducted right in front of the Emergency Department.
Law enforcement officials immediately swarmed the hospital, believing Umphenour to still be on the premises, initiating a lockdown and thorough search. Winegar issued a warning to the public, urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact 911 and not engage with them directly. The fugitives are considered armed, dangerous, and willing to resort to extreme violence.
Meade, known for his distinct facial tattoos, had been incarcerated since 2016 for assaulting a law enforcement officer. His projected release date was not until 2036, raising concerns about his potential threat to society. Fortunately, all three wounded prison staff members are anticipated to recover fully from their injuries, according to Winegar. The manhunt for the fugitive continues as authorities strive to ensure public safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.