Manhunt is launched after three Idaho corrections officers are shot and wounded as gunman busts inmate out of hospital in brazen ambush

A manhunt has been launched after a gunman staged a brazen attack on an Idaho hospital to free a prison inmate, seriously wounding three corrections officers.

The gunman opened fire on prisoner officers who had taken Skylar Meade, 31, to St Alphonse hospital in Boise, Idaho, for treatment early on Wednesday morning. 

As they were preparing to return to jail, an unknown suspect began shooting at officers, striking two of them. 

Boise police responded to the incident and one officer fired at an armed person near the entrance, who was later determined to be a corrections officer. 

The gunman opened fire on prisoner officers who had taken Skylar Meade, seen here, to St Alphonse hospital in Boise, Idaho, for treatment early on Wednesday morning

A preliminary investigation indicates that Meade made his escape in a grey four-door sedan, seen here, and fled the area just before officers arrived 

This undated photo provided by City of Boise, Id. shows Skylar Mead

One officer is in a critical but stable condition, another has serious but non-life-threatening injuries and the third was not seriously injured when mistakenly shot by an arriving Boise police officer, a spokesperson said.

The search continues for Meade and the accomplice, who are believed to have left the area in a grey sedan with Idaho plates.

According to Boise police, a preliminary investigation indicates that Meade made his escape in a grey four-door sedan and fled the area just before officers arrived. 

Meade has been serving time in prison for aggravated battery on a Twin Falls officer and was convicted in 2016 and was set to be released in 2036, according to KMVT.

He has has prior convictions including felony possession of a controlled substance, grand theft, and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. 

He has been incarcerated since October 2016 and his most recent sentence was set to end October 2036. 

Chief Ron Winegar said in a statement: '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. 

'When BPD officers responded, they believed the shooter was inside the Emergency Department. 

A Saint Alphonsus spokesperson said the shooting happened in the ambulance bay by its emergency department

A police vehicle is parked outside Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024

This photo provided by Idaho Department of Corrections shows Skylar Mead in a prison mugshot

The search continues for Meade and the accomplice, who are believed to have left the area in a grey sedan with Idaho plates

'They immediately entered to address any potential continued threat to Emergency Room staff. 

'I am grateful this harrowing incident did not result in loss of life, and we are monitoring the wounded IDOC officers with great hope for a full and speedy recovery of all involved.'

'We caution anyone who may have contact with the suspects involved in this violent attack and escape to call 911 immediately and not confront them personally. 

'They are armed, dangerous, and have shown they are willing to use extreme violence in furtherance of their criminal activity.' 

A Saint Alphonsus spokesperson said the shooting happened in the ambulance bay by its emergency department.

'All patients and staff are safe, the medical centre campus is safe and secure, and has resumed normal operations. 

'The Emergency Department itself is currently under temporary lockdown while the Boise Police Department completes the investigation,' Leticia Ramirez said.

She said as an added precaution 'we have increased security on campus, all entrances to the hospital will be closed' and monitored by hospital security until further notice.