October - December 2024

Ranger Activity Report: October - December 2024

• Traffic Stops: 99
• Calls for Service: 135
• Arrests: 3
• Search and Rescues: 7
• Medical Responses: 11
• Fatalities: 1

This incident occurred on 10/17/2024. Hunting is illegal in Shenandoah National Park, and legally taken wildlife from outside the park may only be possessed in limited areas as listed in the Superintendent’s Compendium.

October 17, 2024 | Wildlife Poaching | At approximately 0400 hours, rangers were called to assist Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) with a vehicle stop. RCSO stopped the vehicle after witnessing a deer “still flopping” in the truck bed. The subjects, 55- year-old and 53-year-old males from Luray, VA, received citations for possessing wildlife.

November 19, 2024 | Arrest - DUI; Motor Vehicle Crash | At around 2000 hours, rangers were dispatched to Skyline Drive near Skyland for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, rangers observed a vehicle in a ditch off the roadway. Rangers spoke with the driver, a 54-year-old male from Aldie, VA, and following investigation, placed the male under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

November 21, 2024 | Arrest - DUI | At about 1400 hours, rangers responded to the Shenandoah National Park Communications Center for a report of the same 54-year-old male arriving to retrieve personal property. Rangers observed him to be under the influence of alcohol. Following investigation, the male was again arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

This vehicle fire and subsequent wildland fire occurred on 11/27/2024. Responders were able to quickly contain the fire before it spread to a wider area. Always maintain your vehicle and check essential components before operating.

November 27, 2024 | Vehicle Fire, Wildland Fire | Around 2330 hours, rangers received a report of a vehicle fire that had rolled into the woods near Swift Run Entrance Station. Firefighters from Greene County were first on scene, with subsequent help from Shenandoah National Park fire and law enforcement units. The fire spread to approximately ¼ of an acre in size, but was quickly contained.

December 13, 2024 | Arrest - DUI; Motor Vehicle Crash | At about 1745 hours, rangers responded to Skyline Drive north of Matthews Arm Campground for a head-on vehicle collision. Law enforcement and emergency services responded to the scene of the accident, where rangers observed two heavily damaged vehicles. Rangers spoke with a family of four, who provided a video of the other driver attempting to flee the scene. Upon speaking with the other driver, a 75-year-old male from Falls Church, VA, rangers observed him to be intoxicated and subsequently placed him under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

You can help us to protect resources and to stay safe in the Park by following all laws and policies. If you have an incident to report in Shenandoah National Park, contact dispatch at [phone].