Boise, Idaho – A manhunt is currently underway for a white supremacist gang leader, Skylar Meade, and his accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, who managed to escape from a hospital in Boise, Idaho. The daring escape, during which Umphenour allegedly shot two corrections officers, led to their successful getaway. Police have issued a warrant for Umphenour’s arrest, setting a hefty £1.5 million bond for him, as he faces charges of attacking law enforcement and aiding in an escape.
The escape took place at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Centre in Boise, where the duo fled in a grey 2020 Honda Civic with Idaho plates. Both Umphenour and Meade remain at large, with authorities still actively searching for them. It was reported that three corrections officers sustained injuries during the attack at the hospital, with two allegedly shot by Umphenour and one by responding police.
Meade, 31, is known to be a member of a white supremacist gang and has tattoos linking him to the Aryan Knights group. Umphenour, described as 5ft 11in and 160 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes, is confirmed to have a connection with Meade. The incident occurred at 2:15 am when the Idaho Department of Correction officers were preparing to return Meade to prison. Josh Tewalt, the Department Director, provided details in a press conference on Wednesday, mentioning that Meade was taken to the hospital the night before the escape.
One of the injured corrections officers is reported to be in serious but stable condition, while the second officer sustained severe non-life-threatening injuries. The third injured officer was hurt during the confusion, as a responding officer mistakenly fired shots upon seeing an armed individual near the hospital entrance, believing the shooter was still inside. Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar expressed concern over the violent attack on law enforcement personnel.
Established in the mid-1990s within Idaho’s prison system, the Aryan Knights group has a history of organizing criminal activities for specific white inmates. The authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Meade and Umphenour to come forward and assist in their apprehension. The investigation into the escape and subsequent attacks is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to ensure the safety of the community and bring the fugitives to justice.