A woman in Idaho is facing federal charges after authorities say she stole an ambulance and crashed it into a building that houses offices for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Meridian.
According to Police 1, 43-year-old Sarah Elizabeth George of Boise allegedly took the ambulance from outside a hospital late at night while paramedics were inside with a patient. Officials say she then drove the emergency vehicle a short distance to an office complex that includes federal government offices.
Police say George intentionally rammed the ambulance into the front entrance of the building. Investigators later discovered gasoline containers at the scene and allege she poured fuel in the lobby area and around the vehicle, suggesting she may have been attempting to start a fire.
Authorities say the plan was interrupted when police arrived, prompting the suspect to flee the area on foot. No injuries were reported, but the crash caused significant property damage to the building.
Law enforcement officials later identified George using surveillance footage from nearby businesses as well as store purchase records tied to gasoline containers and other materials found at the scene.
She was arrested days later and is now facing federal charges that include attempted destruction of federal property by fire and destruction of property affecting interstate commerce. If convicted, she could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The incident triggered a joint investigation involving local police as well as federal agencies including the FBI and ATF.
Officials say the case remains under investigation as it moves through the federal court system.
