Police Apprehend Escaped Inmate and Accomplice After Hospital Attack
In a swift and decisive operation, law enforcement officers have successfully arrested Skylar Meade and Nicholas Umphenour, two individuals involved in a shocking attack on corrections officers at a Boise hospital. The pair, who are members of the Aryan Knights prison gang, were apprehended after a brief car chase in Twin Falls, approximately 130 miles away from the scene of their escape.
The incident unfolded at the ambulance bay of Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, where Meade, an escaped inmate serving a 20-year sentence for a previous offense, was being transported back to prison. Umphenour, who had been released from the same prison earlier this year, orchestrated the attack to facilitate Meade’s escape.
Authorities are investigating whether Meade and Umphenour may have been involved in two homicides in Clearwater County and Nez Perce County during their time on the run. The Aryan Knights, the gang they are affiliated with, has a history of criminal activity dating back to the mid-1990s.
The Anti-Defamation League has highlighted the prevalence of white supremacist prison gangs like the Aryan Knights, with at least 75 such groups identified across federal and local facilities in over 38 states. Mark Pitcavage, an expert on extremism, estimates the Aryan Knights’ membership to be around 150 individuals behind bars and approximately 100 more on the streets.
Meade, who was considered a severe security risk, had been held in administrative segregation before his escape. Security measures for transporting him to the hospital were heightened due to his violent history.
This arrest comes at a time when hospitals and medical centers are grappling with a surge in gun violence incidents. The apprehension of Meade and Umphenour underscores law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring public safety and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
The swift action taken by the authorities serves as a testament to their dedication and efficiency in apprehending individuals who pose a threat to society. As the investigation progresses, the community can rest assured that law enforcement will continue to diligently pursue justice for the victims and their families.