July - September 2024

Ranger Activity Report: July - September 2024

• Traffic Stops: 119
• Calls for Service: 142
• Search and Rescues: 18
• Medical Responses: 23
• Fatalities: 2

This crash occurred 09/08/2024. The vehicle went over the rock wall and required to be removed from the mountainside with specialized equipment. Remember to observe the posted speed limit (35 mph or less) and maintain appropriate following distance from other vehicles.

July 20, 2024 | Arrest - DUI; Disorderly Conduct - Noise | At approximately 0115 hours, rangers were called out to Big Meadows Campground for a noise complaint. As rangers were contacting the campsite occupants, a vehicle drove up to the site. Rangers contacted the driver, a 26-year-old male from Fairfield, CT, and following investigation, placed him under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

July 26, 2024 | Arrest - DUI; Motor Vehicle Crash | At around 2100 hours, rangers responded to Skyline Drive near Loft Mountain Wayside 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 19-year-old male from Temple, TX, and following investigation, placed the male under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and consuming alcohol under the age of 21.

August 18, 2024 | Disorderly Conduct - Fighting, Public Intoxication | At about 1800 hours, rangers responded to Rockfish Gap Entrance Station for a male shouting and throwing things at employees and his female companion. Rangers contacted the male, a 33-year-old from Charlottesville, VA, who had been drinking and had threatened his partner. The male was arrested by Augusta County Sheriff’s Department on charges of kidnapping, with National Park Service mandatory court appearances for disorderly conduct – fighting and being under the influence of alcohol to a degree of danger to others.

For certain life-threatening emergencies, rangers rely on nearby air ambulance services for hasty transport to advanced medical care. This incident occurred on 09/01/2024. Rangers closed Skyline Drive near Thornton Gap Entrance Station for quick patient access.

September 10, 2024 | Resource Violations - Ginseng Poaching | Around 1445 hours, rangers received a report of suspected ginseng poaching in the northern area of the park. Rangers contacted two individuals matching the reported description, a 63-year-old female and a 66-year-old male, both from Haymarket, VA. Subsequent to investigation, the subjects received mandatory court appearances for possession of plants or plant parts. Rangers recovered 83 roots and 53 plant parts.

September 22, 2024 | Theft - Vehicle Break-ins | At about 1500 hours, rangers received multiple reports of vehicle break-ins at Fishers Gap Parking Area. The investigation is currently ongoing. Rangers are seeking information related to the break-ins; contact park dispatch to make a report: [phone].

September 26, 2024 | Drug Violatons - PCS Methamphetamine | At approximately 2145 hours, rangers stopped a vehicle on Skyline Drive near Front Royal Entrance Station for speeding. Following investigation, rangers located methamphetamine in vehicle of the driver, a 21-year-old male from Strasburg, VA. The driver was issued a mandatory court appearance for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

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].