Boise, Idaho – Authorities in Idaho are on the hunt for a white supremacist who escaped custody during a shootout at an Idaho hospital. The incident left three prison staff members injured, police reported on Thursday. Skylar Meade, a member of the Aryan Knights gang with distinctive facial tattoos, was being escorted out of a medical facility after receiving treatment when gunfire erupted. The shooter, identified as Nicholas Umphenour, targeted two prison officers before fleeing with Meade in a car.
In the chaos of the shootout, responding officers mistakenly opened fire on a prison staffer, causing additional injuries. Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar described the attack as “brazen, violent, and apparently coordinated,” noting that it took place right outside the Emergency Department of the hospital. Winegar also warned the public about the dangers posed by the escapees, urging anyone with information to contact authorities rather than confront the suspects directly.
Following the incident, officers conducted an extensive search of the hospital, believing Umphenour to be inside. The facility was placed on lockdown as law enforcement worked to locate the escaped prisoners. Meade, who had been serving a prison sentence since 2016 for assaulting a law enforcement officer, was not scheduled for release until 2036.
Despite the violent escape, Winegar expressed optimism that the three injured prison staff members are expected to fully recover from their wounds. The situation remains tense as authorities work to locate the escaped prisoners and ensure the safety of the public. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Meade and Umphenour is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
The unfolding events in Idaho serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the risks associated with prisoner escapes. The hunt for the escaped white supremacist highlights the importance of collaboration between local communities and law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and bringing fugitives to justice. As the search intensifies, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help apprehend the escaped prisoners swiftly.