Boise, Idaho, prison guards were shot early Wednesday in a planned escape, prompting police to seek for an escaped inmate and another suspect.
Boise police say the confrontation occurred at 2:15 a.m. local time when state Corrections Department officials were transferring convict Skylar Meade back to the institution. Meade was treated at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Police alleged Nicholas Umphenour fired at them as they prepared to take Meade back. The other cop was stable in critical condition after being shot.
Police said Meade and the other person escaped in a gray four-door sedan, likely a Honda Civic. Meade, a 31-year-old Caucasian male measuring 5 feet, 6 inches, had two face tattoos: No. 1 and 11.
According to Boise police, an active shooter was reported at the hospital, which was under a modified lockdown. An armed Corrections Department officer was shot at the hospital entrance by one cop. Corrections officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar called it a “brazen, violent and apparently coordinated attack” to let Meade escape. "We advise anyone who encounters the suspects in this violent attack and escape to call 911 and not confront them," Winegar added. "They are armed, dangerous and have shown they are willing to use extreme violence in furtherance of their criminal activity."
The FBI is helping Boise and state police, a spokeswoman said. Winegar told reporters Wednesday that Meade is a "known gang member." Boise police said Umphenour is a Meade associate.
"It is unknown exactly where they are or where they are headed," police said Wednesday night.
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