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Ranger's Log: Grand Canyon Rangers respond to vehicle accidents, elk vs. visitor and sexual assault

The following is a list of calls from the South Rim District Report for the period ending May 21.

On May 10, law enforcement and emergency services were dispatched to a single vehicle crash near the south entrance. Investigation revealed the crash was a result of the driver having a medical issue. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) in critical condition.

On May 10, rangers were dispatched to Market Plaza area for a welfare check for a suicidal subject. Rangers later located the patient at the McDonalds in Tusayan. The patient was transported to FMC.

On May 11, rangers were requested by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to respond to a report of a possible suicide attempt and domestic violence incident at a residence in Tusayan. Rangers arrived on scene and secured it for EMS arrival. The investigation was turned over to CCSO.

On May 13, rangers responded to Oak Loop in Mather Campground for a report of a cow elk charging visitors. The cow elk had recently calved, and the calf was in the area. Science and resource management employees assisted with relocating the cow and calf outside the campground.

On May 14, rangers responded south on State Route 64 to assist CCSO and AZDPS with a vehicle pursuit involving a subject that had rammed a deputy’s vehicle multiple times and reportedly discharged a firearm at passing vehicles. The suspect was taken into custody north of Valle without further incident.

On May 13, rangers responded to a park residence for a report of trespassing and verbal threats. The suspect, a resident of Grand Canyon, was given a warning for trespass and disorderly conduct.

On May 15, rangers were dispatched to an “unruly visitor” at the General Store. The male resident of Florida was reported to have torn down a section of caution tape surrounding the construction zone, walked through the construction zone, and then yelled at an employee inside the store. A citation was issued for disorderly conduct.

On May 15, rangers were dispatched to a park residence for a report of a man striking and throwing beers at a woman. Dispatchers could hear the man screaming that he had a gun and was going to kill the woman while on the line. Prior to rangers arriving, the man fled on foot. Rangers and police K9 Mazi searched the area, finding and arresting the 32-year-old resident of Grand Canyon, without incident.

On May 15, rangers encountered a fight in progress in Mather Campground while dispatchers were taking the initial 911 calls. Two men were involved in a physical fight surrounded by family. Threats were made regarding firearms during the fight. A 55-year-old resident of Tempe, was arrested for disorderly conduct fighting. A 40-year-old resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, was cited into court for disorderly conduct — fighting.

On May 17, rangers were dispatched to a report of a man passed out on a transit bus. Rangers contacted the male, a 28-year-old resident of Grand Canyon, Arizona. Investigation revealed the subject was extremely intoxicated, registering a blood alcohol content over .40 He was transported to FMC via ambulance and cited into court for intoxication — danger to self.

On May 17, Sexual Assault Rangers were notified by a resident of Grand Canyon of a sexual assault that within Grand Canyon National Park a number of years ago. The investigation was transferred to the Investigative Services Branch.

On May 20, rangers received report of possible traffic collision on State Route 64. Upon arrival, the responding ranger found a vehicle perpendicular to the roadway with the front end stuck in soft sand and front/rear end damage. The driver, a 45-year-old old resident of Enid, Oklahoma was observed asleep in driver’s seat. Investigation revealed the man was a missing/endangered person and suicidal. The man was transported to the county mental health facility.

On May 20, rangers were dispatched to a report of two men throwing rocks at a bus near the Yaki Road — State Route 64 intersection. A window on the passenger side of the bus was damaged, however, the suspects were not located.

On May 21, law enforcement and emergency services were dispatched to a park residence for a report of an unresponsive man. Resuscitation efforts on scene were successful and the patient was transported by air to the hospital. The patient later succumbed to his medical issues at the hospital.

There were seven assault and disorderly conduct offenses, 17 traffic offenses, four drug and alcohol offenses (not DUI), zero DUI offenses, two motor vehicle crashes, one theft/larceny/fraud reports, three natural resource offenses, zero commercial offenses and two welfare check/emotionally disturbed person reports.


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