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Part of Rocky Mountain National Park is currently closed due to a Law Enforcement shooting incident and investigation
www.coloradoswitchblade.com

Part of Rocky Mountain National Park is currently closed due to a Law Enforcement shooting incident and investigation

Updated with pictures of the scene and statements from LCSO, CSP and eyewitness accounts.

Jason VanTatenhove
Dec 8, 2021
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Local Mark Woten took a picture of the shooting scene in RMNP.

According to a statement by Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), there is a law enforcement incident and investigation currently in progress. The park is closed outside the Fall River Entrance (US Highway 34) to Deer Ridge Junction.

According to witness accounts, a pursuit and shooting were involved, and a heavy law enforcement presence has moved into the area.

No further information is available currently.

We will update this story as it progresses.  

Local Mark Woten took a picture of the shooting scene in RMNP.

Updated 11:50 am - According to a Facebook post by Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith, the shooting involved an RMNP Ranger. All indications are that the incident occurred just inside the park boundaries. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is assisting, but federal agencies lead the investigation.

Updated 12:09 pm - According to a statement from the Colorado State Patrol, both a Park Ranger and a driver were taken to the hospital following an exchange of gunfire. There is no information currently available as to what led up to the exchange of gunfire or the conditions of the individuals.

An eyewitness says they heard approximately a dozen shots fired and described seeing a male in handcuffs and screaming.

Updated 1:40 pm - Rocky Mountain National Park released an updated statement:

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at approximately 10:15 a.m. MT, a National Park Service law enforcement ranger, was involved in a shooting with two suspects near the Fall River Entrance within Rocky Mountain National Park. The two suspects were reported to be involved in a vehicular pursuit earlier that morning outside park boundaries. During contact with the suspects, the law enforcement ranger was shot but was protected by their ballistic vest and did not suffer serious injuries. The law enforcement ranger discharged their firearm, and one suspect was injured. Both the law enforcement ranger and injured suspect were transported to a local hospital for medical care. A second uninjured suspect is in custody.

Rocky Mountain National Park remains closed from outside the Fall River Entrance (US Highway 34) to Deer Ridge Junction for the ongoing investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assuming the lead role in the investigation.

Local Mark Woten took a picture of the shooting scene in RMNP.

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