Idaho inmate pleads guilty to escaping hospital after assaulting correctional officers

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho inmate who was released from a hospital in March after a violent attack on correctional officers has pleaded guilty and fled, although he still faces two sentence enhancements that could lengthen his sentence.

Skylar Meade filed the lawsuit Wednesday in 4th District Court. He could face life in prison when he is sentenced in July.

On March 20, violence erupted at a Boise hospital as Idaho Department of Correction officers prepared to transport Meade back to prison after he was treated for his injuries. Prosecutors say Nicholas Umphenour shot two correctional officers. A third officer was injured when a police officer mistook him for the shooter and opened fire. All three officers survived.

Meade and Umphenour fled the scene, driving to north-central Idaho before driving back to the southern half of the state, where they were arrested the following day.

Umphenour is charged with three counts of aggravated assault on police officers, use of a firearm in a crime and aiding and abetting escape, all felonies. He has not yet entered a plea, but a hearing is scheduled for later this month.

Meade also faces felony charges as prosecutors allege he conspired or helped Umphenour injure two of the officers. He has not yet pleaded to these allegations. According to court documents, a hearing on her will be held on June 20.

Meade’s defense attorney did not immediately respond to a voice message and Umphenour’s public defender could not be reached Wednesday afternoon.