Idaho Ambush Suspect: From Firefighter to Wanted Fugitive.

A brazen, meticulously planned ambush outside a Boise hospital has left a community on edge and ignited a massive, multi-agency manhunt for two men described as armed and extremely dangerous. The incident, which saw a prison inmate freed and two corrections officers shot, has cast a harsh spotlight on its central figure: Skylar Meade, a man with a violent past, deep ties to a white supremacist gang, and a shocking history as an inmate firefighter.

This is the story of a violent escape, the men behind it, and the desperate search to bring a dangerous fugitive back into custody before he can inflict more harm.

The Ambush at Dawn: A Coordinated Attack

The quiet early morning hours of Wednesday were shattered by gunfire at the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. The chaos erupted around 02:15 local time as Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) officers were preparing to transport inmate Skylar Meade, 31, back to prison following medical treatment he had received at the hospital.

In a move that police believe was a pre-planned and coordinated attack, an unknown individual opened fire on the officers in the ambulance bay. The assailant, later identified by police as 28-year-old Nicholas Umphenour, created the perfect diversion. Amid the violence and confusion, Meade made his escape. The two men fled the scene together in a grey four-door saloon, leaving a scene of bloodshed and shock in their wake.

A Heavy Toll on Law Enforcement

The cost of the ambush was severe. Two corrections officers were struck by the gunfire. One officer is reported to be in a critical but stable condition after being shot by the suspect, Umphenour. A second officer was also injured, tragically being shot by a responding Boise Police officer who arrived at the chaotic scene. The third officer involved in the transport was unharmed. This tragic detail underscores the high-stakes and confusing nature of the violent encounter.

Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar described the event as a “brazen, violent, and calculated attack” on law enforcement and the community. The incident immediately triggered a “Blue Alert,” a system that mobilizes law enforcement and the public to help locate a suspect who has killed or seriously injured an officer.

Who is Skylar Meade? A Profile of a Dangerous Fugitive

To understand the gravity of the situation, one must look at the man at the center of the manhunt. Skylar Meade is not a petty criminal; he has a long and violent history that paints a chilling picture of the threat he poses to the public.

Meade was serving a 20-year sentence for shooting at a sheriff’s sergeant during a police chase in 2017. His prior convictions also include possession of a controlled substance and grand theft. He has been incarcerated since 2016 and was not eligible for parole until 2036. This extensive sentence highlights the severity of his past crimes and the desperation that likely fueled such a daring escape plan.

Tattoos and Gang Affiliation: The Aryan Knights

Authorities have released detailed descriptions of Meade, including his distinctive tattoos. He has the numbers ‘1’ and ’11’ tattooed on his face, symbols associated with the Aryan Knights, a violent, “whites only” prison gang based primarily in Idaho. The gang, also known as AK, has a notorious history of drug trafficking and violent crime both inside and outside prison walls. Police have confirmed that Meade is a member of this dangerous organization.

This affiliation is a critical piece of the puzzle. It suggests a network of support and a pre-existing relationship with his alleged accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, who police say is also an associate of the Aryan Knights. Gang loyalty often transcends prison bars, and this escape appears to be a stark example of that dangerous reality.

The Shocking Duality: Inmate Firefighter

Perhaps the most startling detail to emerge about Skylar Meade’s past is a photograph showing him in full gear, working as an inmate firefighter. The image, depicting him clearing brush with a chainsaw, presents a jarring contrast to the violent fugitive now on the run. This role, often reserved for lower-risk inmates, involved fighting wildfires and performing public service, seemingly positioning Meade on a path toward rehabilitation.

This duality raises serious questions. How does a man entrusted to protect the public as a firefighter devolve into a high-risk inmate involved in such a violent escape? It speaks to a complex and deceptive character, capable of presenting a facade of reform while allegedly plotting a violent breakout with his gang associates. The firefighter uniform now serves as a haunting symbol of a deeply fractured identity—a man who once battled blazes now igniting fear across an entire state.

The Accomplice: Nicholas Umphenour

The manhunt is not just for Meade, but also for his accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour. Police have identified him as the shooter in the ambush and believe he is just as dangerous as Meade. Umphenour was released from the same prison facility as Meade just last month, and their shared affiliation with the Aryan Knights is believed to be the link that brought them together for this violent plot. The search for the grey Honda Civic they fled in is a top priority for investigators, who have warned the public not to approach either man but to call 911 immediately.

A City on Lockdown and a State on Alert

The escape has had a profound impact on the city of Boise and beyond. Saint Alphonsus hospital, the scene of the crime, was placed on a full lockdown for hours, cancelling all appointments and redirecting ambulances. The nearby Bishop Kelly High School also cancelled classes for the day as a precaution.

The search has expanded far beyond the city limits, involving a coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the US Marshals Service. The primary search area is described as a vast expanse of southern Idaho, but authorities concede the fugitives could be anywhere.

Chief Winegar delivered a stark warning to the public and to the fugitives themselves:

• “They are armed and dangerous.”
• “They can be anywhere at this point.”
• “We are coming for you, and we will use all resources to take you into custody.”

The community is left to grapple with the fear and uncertainty of having two violent fugitives at large. The incident is a brutal reminder of the challenges posed by organized prison gangs and the ever-present risks faced by the corrections and police officers who work to keep communities safe.