Twin Falls, Idaho was the scene of a dramatic arrest on Thursday afternoon as law enforcement apprehended an escaped inmate, Skylar Meade, and his alleged accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour. Both individuals are members of a white supremacist gang and were captured following an extensive manhunt. Authorities are now investigating whether the duo may be connected to two recent homicides in Idaho.
Meade’s escape occurred when Umphenour opened fire on corrections officers transporting Meade back to prison from a medical center in Boise. The suspects were located in Twin Falls around 2 p.m. local time on Thursday after a brief vehicle pursuit, culminating in their separate apprehensions without any shots being fired.
Looming over the case are two recent homicides being probed by Idaho State Police Lt. Colonel Sheldon Kelley. The suspects were found driving a Honda Civic belonging to one of the victims, located in separate counties — Nez Perce and Clearwater. The city of Boise revealed details of the homicides in a press release Thursday afternoon.
The discovery of their connection sparked further investigation, revealing that both were members of the Aryan Knights white supremacist gang. Despite their ties to the gang, officials emphasized that the escape was not necessarily a gang-sanctioned event. The Department of Correction is actively monitoring the Aryan Knights within prisons to counter any organized criminal activity.
Law enforcement credited the successful capture to the public’s assistance and the collaboration of multiple agencies. The suspects’ capture was crucial in light of the violent incidents that unfolded leading up to their arrest. Meade’s actions prompted his transfer for medical care, while Umphenour’s attack on officers at the medical center escalated the situation.
The injured corrections officers are on the road to recovery, with one already released from the hospital. The incident weighed heavily on the corrections family, with officials acknowledging the challenges faced by those in the line of duty. As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing justice to all affected by the suspects’ actions.