In a shocking incident, an inmate escaped from an Idaho hospital on Wednesday morning with the help of an accomplice who opened fire on correction officers, injuring two. The Idaho Department of Correction has described the attack as "brazen" and is currently searching for both suspects, who remain at large.

The inmate, identified as Skylar Meade, had been taken to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise for an unscheduled medical treatment. As correction officers were preparing to transport him back to prison around 2:15 a.m., an individual attacked and fired at the officers, according to the Boise police. The injured officers were rushed to the hospital for treatment, with one officer in critical condition but stable, while the other sustained serious injuries that are not life-threatening.

During the chaos, a third correction officer was mistakenly shot by a Boise officer who responded to reports of an active shooter. It was later determined that the armed individual was an Idaho Department of Correction officer. The injured correction officer is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The hospital was placed under temporary lockdown as Boise officers conducted a search for the shooting suspect. However, investigators later discovered that Meade and his accomplice had fled the scene in a gray Honda Civic just before the officers arrived.

Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar expressed his concern over the incident, stating, "This brazen, violent, and apparently coordinated attack on Idaho Department of Corrections personnel, to facilitate an escape of a dangerous inmate, was carried out right in front of the Emergency Department, where people come for medical help, often in the direst circumstances." Winegar emphasized that no lives were lost and expressed hope for a full recovery for the injured officers.

The shooting suspect has been identified as Nicholas Umphenour, an associate of Meade. Police have obtained a warrant for Umphenour's arrest on charges of aggravated battery against law enforcement and aiding and abetting an escape. The warrant carries a bond of $2 million. At present, the whereabouts of both suspects are unknown, prompting authorities to urge anyone with information to contact 911.

Skylar Meade, 31, had been serving time at a maximum security prison in Kuna for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a firearm enhancement. According to records from the Idaho Department of Correction, his sentence was scheduled to continue until October 2036, with parole eligibility starting in October 2026. Meade has a history of prior convictions, including felony possession of a controlled substance, grand theft, and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.

Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to investigate the attack and determine how it was planned. They are also seeking to identify any additional accomplices who may have played a role in facilitating Meade's escape.

Following the lockdown, the hospital has resumed normal operations. The Ada County Sheriff's Office is now leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The community is advised to exercise caution, as Meade and Umphenour are considered armed, dangerous, and willing to use extreme violence. Winegar urged anyone who may come into contact with the suspects to immediately call 911.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue their efforts to bring both suspects to justice and ensure the safety of the public and law enforcement officers.