Idaho Woman Charged with Alleged Arson Attempt on DHS Facility Using a Stolen Ambulance

An unsettling incident unfolded in Idaho, leading to the arrest of a woman on charges of stealing an ambulance and using it in a dramatic attempt to target a DHS office. According to investigators, 43-year-old Sarah Elizabeth George from Boise allegedly took control of a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from outside St. Luke’s Meridian late on February 18. She is accused of crashing the vehicle into the entrance of the Portico North building, which houses DHS offices, and then attempting to ignite a fire by dousing the lobby floor with gasoline before fleeing the scene on foot.

The identification and apprehension of George came after what Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea described as a rigorous five-day investigation. This involved traditional police methods, such as canvassing local businesses for surveillance footage and meticulously tracking vehicle records, which eventually led authorities to George.

George is now facing significant federal charges, including malicious destruction of government property by fire and malicious destruction of property used in or affecting interstate commerce. If convicted, each of these charges carries a severe penalty ranging from five to 20 years in prison, as stated by prosecutors.

In a twist, investigators linked George to the alleged attack through a separate incident on February 6, 2026, involving a traffic stop. At that time, she was seen in a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck, which became a critical piece of evidence in connecting her to the DHS office attack. This connection was detailed in the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

Sarah Elizabeth George during a Feb. 6, 2026, traffic stop while seated in a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Investigators cited the vehicle in linking her to the alleged attack on a building housing Department of Homeland Security offices. (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho)

According to the affidavit, investigators found a social media post allegedly made by George the morning of Feb. 18 depicting an AI-generated image of the White House on fire with the caption, “If it can be destroyed by truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways.”

Authorities said George stole the ambulance while a crew was transporting a patient inside. According to the affidavit, surveillance footage shows a dark pickup truck parking near Primary Health roughly 22 minutes before the ambulance was taken. A person matching George’s description was seen walking toward the hospital shortly before the theft.

Investigators allege George briefly parked the stolen ambulance in a nearby lot minutes later and loaded two gasoline cans and a plastic bag into the vehicle before driving to the Portico North building.

Investigators say CCTV footage shows Sarah Elizabeth George carrying red gasoline cans inside a Walmart in Meridian, Idaho, on Feb. 18, 2026, hours before authorities allege she stole an ambulance and drove it into a building housing Department of Homeland Security offices. (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho)

The building houses space leased by the U.S. General Services Administration for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Authorities said George drove the ambulance through the south entrance doors at approximately 11:10 p.m. and poured gasoline across the lobby floor before fleeing on foot as officers arrived.

“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,” Basterrechea said.

The affidavit includes surveillance stills from a Walmart in Meridian earlier that evening that investigators say show George purchasing two red gasoline cans and lighter fluid at a self-checkout register. A receipt dated 9:17 p.m. lists the items, according to court documents.

Surveillance images included in a federal criminal complaint show a woman identified by investigators as Sarah Elizabeth George purchasing a red gasoline can at a Walmart in Meridian, Idaho, on Feb. 18, 2026, and a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck authorities allege was used in the attack on a building housing Department of Homeland Security offices. (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho)

Video from a Fred Meyer gas station later that night allegedly shows George pumping gasoline into the two cans shortly before the crash. The affidavit states that a loyalty or rewards card used during the purchase was registered in her name.

Investigators also included comparison images of a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck they believe George used that night. The complaint highlights similarities between the truck seen in surveillance footage and a vehicle registered to members of George’s family, including matching paint wear and body features.

The affidavit further references a Feb. 6 traffic stop in which George was photographed driving a blue Dodge Dakota, linking her to the vehicle seen leaving the area shortly after the crash.

Dash camera footage from a Meridian police vehicle allegedly captured the suspect crossing Fairview Avenue on foot minutes after the ambulance struck the building. Surveillance cameras later showed the suspect entering a pickup truck and driving away.

Basterrechea said Meridian police worked alongside the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the investigation. Authorities executed both an arrest warrant and a search warrant at George’s residence on Monday evening.

A screenshot included in a federal criminal complaint shows a social media post investigators allege was made by Sarah Elizabeth George on Feb. 18, 2026, depicting an AI-generated image of the White House on fire with the caption, “If it can be destroyed by truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways.” (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho)

“This conduct is unacceptable. It will be investigated, and it will be charged to the fullest extent of the law,” Basterrechea said.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.

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