Federal prosecutors have charged a Boise woman following what authorities described as a deliberate vehicle crash and attempted arson targeting a building that houses U.S. Department of Homeland Security offices.
Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, was taken into custody on Feb. 23, concluding a five-day investigation led by the Meridian Police Department. George is charged with attempted destruction of federal property by fire and malicious destruction of property used in or affecting interstate commerce by fire.
Each offense carries a potential penalty of five to 20 years in prison, fines, or both.
Police said the charges stem from events on Feb. 18, when a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance was reported stolen from St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Center in Meridian, a suburb of Boise. Authorities allege that George drove the ambulance to the Portico North building, which contains Department of Homeland Security offices, and intentionally crashed the vehicle into the structure.
“These investigators literally went door-to-door, looking for possible camera footage, possible witnesses and other information and evidence,” Basterrechea said. He noted that the Idaho State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.
Investigators conducted canvassing efforts, reviewed surveillance footage, pursued leads, and used technology to positively identify George, according to the department’s statement. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive.
“Our understanding, then and now, is that this location is not a processing facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” spokesperson Jill Myron said in a statement. “The leased space is used as administrative office space for DHS, and ICE officers are not stationed there as part of this arrangement.”