SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. - Law enforcement rangers are looking for a man with a knife in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. Officials have reported no injuries.
Visitors are asked to remain vigilant and if they see something suspicious or have information, to report it to the National Park Service Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or call 911. The man is described as wearing hefty hiking boots, dark green fitted cargo pants, long-sleeved shirt, brimless hat (possibly a beanie), and gaiter or buff that covers his mouth and nose.
A report came in this morning before 5 a.m. about a vehicle on fire on the Generals Highway in the Giant Forest area of the park. When rangers located the vehicle, they discovered it completely burned.
While rangers were investigating the vehicle fire, another call came in about an altercation and it was reported that the suspect attempted to rob an individual and take their cellphone, keys, and wallet while waving a knife and stick. When the individual refused, the suspect fled into the forest. While rangers searched the area for the suspect, they found that the Giant Forest Museum had been broken into and damaged while it was closed with no visitors inside. It is unclear at this time if these events are related.
The suspect has not been located and this is an ongoing investigation by the National Park Service, FBI, and the U.S. Forest Service. An earlier area closure and shelter-in-place order has now been lifted, but visitors are asked to be cautious and remain alert. Park rangers are in the area and the Giant Forest Museum will remain closed until further notice.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service