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Ranger Assaulted in Angeles National Forest
Posted by Tracy on August 20th, 2010
Ranger Airlifted to County-USC Medical Center
August 18, 2010
AZUSA – A man struck an unarmed Angeles National Forest ranger in the face with an unknown object today, knocking him unconscious, authorities said.
The forest protection officer was in the East Fork Ranger Station in the San Gabriel Mountains at 24700 East Fork Road when he heard a knock on the door and someone asked him if he could use his phone.
When the ranger opened the door, he was struck in the face with an unknown object and knocked unconscious, according to Capt. Mike Parker of the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau.
When he awoke, he called 911, with the sheriff’s San Dimas Sheriff’s Station receiving the call at 3:40 p.m.
The suspect was described as being in his 20s and driving a green Mitsubishi Eclipse.
The ranger was airlifted to County-USC Medical Center. His condition was not immediately available, but one station reported he was going in and out of consciousness.
Azusa and Glendora police joined the sheriff’s department in looking for the suspect. Cars matching the description of the suspect vehicle were being checked.
“We do not know the reason for this bizarre and seemingly unprovoked attack,” Parker said.
The District Attorney’s Crimes Against Police Officers Unit is also on the case, Parker said.
For our members who frequent the East Fork area, please be careful out there and be extra aware of those around you.
If you are going on the outing this weekend, please take a moment to stop in at the Ranger Station to inquire how the assaulted officer is doing. If someone could drop off a get well card from the club, that would be great too.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
wow..i knew things were bad out there but this is rediculous…i just hope they don’t try to blame it on the miners…when i tryed to set up a trip out there in mar..i talked to a femal ranger ..and i was told”currently there is no rectional mining allowed at the san gabriel river”…after preping all weekend it just killed me…then my wife who was raised in pomona told me”i will never let you go there…because she knows it is just a place of trouble”…i still want to go someday…when things clear up…
August 26th, 2010 at 11:54 am
I have been up there many times, alone more than not. I have never had any trouble up there. It is a great place. Just make sure you can take care of yourself if needed. I am always aware of who is around me. The water is always nice and I always leave with some gold. I have heard of trouble up there, but have never had any problems myself. I go up there as much as I can with no fears of getting in trouble. It is always more fun to go prospecting with a friend or two. See you guys out there some time
September 1st, 2010 at 9:19 am
A few years ago EF Steve was punched in the face by a hostile forrest visitor / squatter, a few others have gotten their selves assulted, some I have wittnessed first hand. However, I have never seen these actions taken uppon the authorities.This appears to be a well aimed and planned attack on the right people, no doubt by someone disgruntled with the FS.
It does not supprise me though. The militant attitudes and posture adopted by the FS is sure to raise hostilities. The FS calls this kind of stuff on themselves with this style of forrest management. If the search and inforcement efforts increase no doubt will these actions continue this type of exchange will escalate.
My suggestion to forrest visitors and FS peoples is to simply chill out with everyone else and enjoy the forrest. Carry a gun with you for situations like these. Keep to yourself or stay with a few friends for protection. This includes the FS as well.
September 11th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
When I need to pack a gun to protect myself, count me out. Some of these prospectors are nuts. I’ve seen these idiots put little branches wedged between bedrock and boulders the size of trucks thinking it will protect them from getting crushed. A few days of hard work will buy more gold than you will ever find there. Hardly worth risking your life. I still find myself up there digging holes a few times a year. Just be smart and mind your own business if you see someone prospecting. Most are very nice people. But it only takes one crazy loon to ruin your day.