BOISE, ID – The two men who were allegedly involved in the escape of an Idaho Department of Correction inmate and shootings of three police officers at a Boise hospital early Wednesday morning were taken into custody following a short pursuit in Twin Falls this afternoon. In addition, law enforcement in north-central Idaho is reportedly investigating two homicides that are believed to be related to Skylar Meade and Nicholas Umphenour, according to Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Kelley of the Idaho State Police.
The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office says they have an active homicide investigation, and it is related to the suspects in the Boise hospital shootings.
“On March 20 at approximately 8:00 pm the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check. When Deputies arrived they found a deceased male. The Idaho State Police along with other agencies are investigating the case. The suspects were several hours out of Clearwater County when we received the call. The suspects are currently in custody. This is an on going investigation,” a press release says.
The Boise Police Department held a press conference at 1:45 p.m. (PST) to provide an update on the investigation. You can watch it HERE.
Officers obtained a warrant for Umphenour’s arrest on two charges of Aggravated Battery against law enforcement and one charge of aiding and abetting an escape. The warrant has a two million dollar bond. BPD confirmed that he is an associate of Skylar Meade.
UPDATE FROM ISP:
MERIDIAN, Idaho – Since 2:00 a.m. yesterday, March 20, 2024, law enforcement agencies across Idaho have investigated and searched for escaped inmate Skylar Meade and shooting suspect Nicholas Umphenour. Just after 2:00 p.m. today, March 21, 2024, law enforcement located and arrested both males in Twin Falls, Idaho after a vehicle pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The suspects were taken into custody with no further incident or injury.
When the investigation expanded statewide, the Idaho State Police (ISP) began the collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Following tips and investigative leads, authorities believe the suspects fled northbound from the Treasure Valley to north central Idaho. Through their investigation, detectives located the Honda Civic, used in the escape, near Leland, Idaho. Additionally, law enforcement is investigating two homicides, in separate locations of Nez Perce and Clearwater counties, that are potentially tied to the escape.
Both homicides involve adult male victims and detectives are actively investigating. No further information is available for release on the homicides and the county coroner will provide identity as well as the official cause and manner of death.
Law enforcement believes the capture was successful due to the hundreds of tips from the public and the multiple responding law enforcement agencies.
ISP will continue to investigate the homicides and provide updates on those investigations as well and updates on the arrests in Twin Falls. The Boise Police Department will continue to investigate the inmate escape and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the officer involved shooting.
Anyone with relevant information or tips on this incident is asked to call the Statewide Tip Line at 1-833-610-1026.
