In our Reality Check stories, Idaho Statesman journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? [email protected].
Boise residents Wednesday morning received a Blue Alert notification after an ambush at a hospital left three Idaho Department of Correction officers with gunshot injuries, and the two suspects fleeing from the scene.
The Blue Alert, sent out on mobile devices shortly before 10 a.m., told residents about a suspect at large, Skylar Meade, who escaped in a vehicle alongside another unknown suspect. Meade, a 31-year-old IDOC prisoner, was being transported to the hospital for medical treatment by IDOC officers when the second suspect shot two of the IDOC officers. A third officer was shot by police, the Idaho Statesman reported. Police said the suspects escaped before law enforcement arrived.
“Boise PD is looking for two suspects they believe are imminent and credible threat to law enforcement and/or the public,” the notification said. “The individuals are CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS please do not approach them but call 911 or 208-377-6790.”
Idaho law authorizes state police to send out a Blue Alert as part of its emergency notification system, which includes the more commonly known Amber Alert used when a child disappears. When someone harms a member of law enforcement who was in the line of duty, and the suspect isn’t apprehended, the Blue Alert is issued to notify the community.
How Idaho Blue Alert works
According to the law, state police can activate the alert in two scenarios: when a suspect involved in the death or injury of an officer has not been caught and poses a serious public threat, or when an officer goes missing while in the line of duty under concerning circumstances.
When one of these scenarios is reported to state police, they assess the situation and determine whether there is sufficient information for a public alert that could help find the suspect or missing officer.
State police resolve a Blue Alert when they find the missing officer or suspect, or the incident is “otherwise resolved,” according to state law. The alert can also be resolved if police decide that it will no longer help find the suspect or officer.
Saint Alphonsus attack prompts Blue Alert
All three IDOC officers who were shot were being treated for their injuries and in stable condition, according to IDOC.
The suspects are still at large and believed to be “armed and dangerous,” traveling in a gray four-door sedan, maybe a Honda Civic, with Idaho plates, according to police.
The Blue Alert was sent several hours after the ambush, which took place around 2 a.m., as law enforcement continued to investigate. Aaron Snell, a spokesperson for Idaho State Police, told the Statesman it took time to verify information from all involved departments and conduct further investigation. State police must confirm that information to decide whether an alert would help the general public, not cause additional concern, he said.
Meade is a white man with brown hair and hazel eyes, reported to be 5 foot 6 with several tattoos. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department was under lockdown but has since returned to normal operations, according to the health system.
Read the full story here:
Police shooting at Boise hospital involves prisoner. Suspects escaped, still at large
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email [email protected] Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
