Park ranger shot by suspect in chase near Rocky Mountain National Park, officials say

A park ranger was shot in Rocky Mountain National Park during a confrontation with a suspect, officials said.

A law enforcement ranger was involved in a shooting Dec. 8 near the Colorado park’s entrance, according to the National Park Service.

Two suspects were involved in a car pursuit outside park land earlier in the morning, park officials said.

“During contact with the suspects, the law enforcement ranger was shot, but was protected by their ballistic vest and did not suffer serious injuries,” officials said in a news release.

The ranger shot back at one of the suspects, and the suspect was injured, park officials said. A second suspect was uninjured in the incident and is now in custody.

Both the ranger and the injured suspect were taken to a hospital.

The National Park Service did not identify the park ranger or suspects. There were no additional details on what led to the chase.

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

This story was originally published December 8, 2021 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Park ranger shot by suspect in chase near Rocky Mountain National Park, officials say."