Yosemite National Park (CA)
Rangers Confront And Arrest Armed Driver
A Valley shift seasonal ranger stopped a 1989 Jeep Cherokee at the Four Mile Trail trailhead on South Side Drive for a minor traffic violation on the afternoon of April 13th. The ranger contacted the three occupants and identified the driver, a 57-year-old man from Fresno. He was returning to the driver's side window after checking the license with dispatch when he saw that the driver was now holding a revolver on his lap. He immediately drew his weapon, retreated to his patrol car for cover, and radioed for backup. Several rangers and a special agent responded and conducted a high-risk stop, removing the driver and the two women with him without further incident. The man was arrested on several felony and misdemeanor charges, including the unlawful possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and possession of methamphetamine. One of the women was also arrested on multiple charges. Due to the decisive and quick actions of the ranger staff, this potentially violent contact was resolved without incident.