A seasonal Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger was stabbed on Tuesday, August 19th, by an unknown assailant at Staunton State Park. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, beginning an air and ground search for the suspect. The attacker is reportedly a white male, 6’0″, 200lbs, wearing a grey shirt and blue jacket.
Search Underway
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), air and ground search was underway by 11:03am. Colorado State Police, Golden Police, Arvada Police, Lakeside Police, Airlift, the Regional SWAT team, and JCSO and SORT drone teams all responded. The suspect is in his early 30’s with brown hair and JCSO considers him dangerous. If you see something, call 911.
JCSO did confirm that the victim is a seasonal Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger. An AirLife transported them to an area hospital. The park is currently closed until further notice.
Staunton State Park
Staunton State Park is located about 6 miles west of 6 miles west of Conifer, Colorado. It makes up 3,988 acres stretching from grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to granite cliffs over 10,000 feet. The park has 25 campsites and 25 picnic sites in addition to 37 miles of trails.
The state park’s granite cliffs make for a popular rock climbing destination, while its trails and wilderness are popular for hiking, geocaching, camping and more. Picknicking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, archery, and other activities are all possible within the park.
The park is one of multiple areas in Colorado that offers Track-Chairs to visitors with disabilities. Three trails in Staunton State Park are accessible to Track-Chair users, with high grassy meadows, a wide variety of wildlife, and geological and water​​​ features all visible from the routes. Those who are interested in taking advantage of these chairs can head to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website to make a reservation.
