Full Breakdown
Boise Woman Charged with Malicious Destruction of Federal Property
2/25/2026, 5:05:38 AM
Incident Overview
Sarah Elizabeth George, a 43-year-old woman from Boise, Idaho, has been charged with malicious destruction of federal property by fire after allegedly stealing an ambulance and crashing it into a building housing U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offices. The incident occurred on February 18, 2023, when George reportedly stole a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Center in Meridian. Following the theft, she drove the ambulance into the Portico North building, where she attempted to set it on fire by pouring gasoline inside the lobby.
Timeline of Events
- February 18, 2023: Around 11 p.m., George steals the ambulance while paramedics were transporting a patient.
- 11:04 p.m.: Surveillance footage shows George parking the ambulance in a nearby lot, retrieving gas jugs hidden in bushes, and loading them into the vehicle.
- 11:10 p.m.: George drives the ambulance through the building's entrance and pours gasoline on the lobby floor before fleeing as law enforcement arrives.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation, described by Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea as "good old-fashioned police work," involved reviewing surveillance footage, canvassing local businesses, and tracking vehicle records. Authorities identified George through video evidence and receipts from a Walmart where she purchased gas cans and lighter fluid shortly before the incident. She was arrested on February 23, 2023, after a five-day investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Charges and Potential Penalties
George faces federal charges of malicious destruction of government property by fire and malicious destruction of property used in or affecting interstate commerce. Each charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 20 years in prison. As of now, George has not entered a plea.
Official Statements
Chief Basterrechea emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “This type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Meridian. This conduct is unacceptable, it will be investigated and it will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.” The U.S. General Services Administration confirmed that the building is leased for DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office space, which has drawn criticism due to the contentious nature of the agencies' operations.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has sparked discussions regarding the leasing of space to federal agencies like DHS and ICE, particularly in light of ongoing debates about immigration enforcement policies. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of such partnerships, especially given the recent vandalism of another DHS facility in Boise.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The suspect took that ambulance and drove it into the Portico North building, where they had also staged gasoline and poured gasoline inside of the ambulance as well as on the floor, outside of the ambulance, in what we believe was an attempt to burn the building,” — Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Police Chief
- “If it can be destroyed by the truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways,” — Sarah Elizabeth George, social media post
What's Next
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as authorities continue to gather evidence related to the incident. George is scheduled for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Boise.
