Forest ranger injured in attack at ranger station

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST — A man attacked and injured a forest ranger Wednesday in a “bizarre” assault at a ranger station in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa, authorities said.
The ranger, who was estimated to be in his 30s, was struck and in the face and knocked unconscious with an unknown object shortly before 4 p.m. at the East Fork Ranger Station, in the forest north of Azusa, sheriff’s and fire officials said.
He was flown to an area trauma center was he was listed in stable condition and awaiting X-rays, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Capt. Michael Parker said.
“We do not know the reason for this bizarre and seemingly unprovoked attack,” he said.
The attacker showed up at the ranger station about 3:40 p.m. and asked to use the telephone, Parker said.
“When the (ranger) opened the door, he was struck in the face by the suspect with an unknown object, rendering him unconscious,” Parker said.
The ranger was not armed, official added.
When the ranger awoke, he called 9-1-1, Parker said.
He was in and out of consciousness prior to be hospitalized, Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. David Middleton said.
Robbery did not appear to be a motive in the attack, Parker said.
“We have not identified anything that was taken,” he said.
The attacker was described only as a Latino man driving a green Mitzubishi Eclipse, Parker said.
Forest rangers, sheriff’s deputies and officers from the Azusa and Glendora police department searched the area for the assailant with no luck, officials said.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office’s Crimes Against Peace Officer’s Unit is also investigating the incident.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email