Updated at 3:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
Editor's note: The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office now says that the incident was an “elaborate hoax” and has arrested the ranger. Read the latest on the story here.
A Colorado Parks & Wildlife ranger was stabbed at Staunton State Park on Tuesday morning, prompting an ongoing search by air and ground for the suspect throughout the day.
The ranger, a seasonal worker, was airlifted to St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood. The ranger was stabbed in the abdomen, where the knife was stuck — he’s currently in stable condition with serious injuries, but is doing well, according to a spokesperson for CPW. His identity has not yet been released.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on X on Tuesday that they have reason to believe it was a targeted attack, and there is no ongoing threat.
The suspect was last seen near the park’s Lazy V Trailhead, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. According to dispatch radio traffic, the suspect was believed to have run to the southwest, toward Elk Creek Road.
The sheriff’s office lifted a shelter-in-place order around the park Tuesday afternoon, and cleared two people who had been questioned.
Authorities confirmed with CPR on Wednesday morning that they were no longer searching the park for the suspect, though it is unclear when they stopped. The park has opened back up and the investigation is ongoing, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff’s office previously described the suspect as a white male in his early 30s, 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, wearing a grey shirt and blue jeans. The sheriff’s office said to report anything suspicious to 911 and consider the suspect dangerous.
The search included air and ground teams from departments across the metro area, including the Colorado State Patrol, Golden, Arvada, Lakeside Police and regional SWAT team.
Staunton State Park is located west of U.S. 285 near the Jeffco town of Pine. The park was closed Tuesday to visitors for much of the day after the attack, according to a spokesperson for CPW.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the search for the suspect has stopped and Staunton State Park has reopened.
