BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Man Arrested For Shooting Two People In Park
On April 6th, an 18-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were watching the sunset at Rock Point overlook on the parkway near Stuart’s Draft, Virginia, when they were attacked by a man with a shotgun. Both survived, but the man suffered critical injuries to his head and face and his prognosis is uncertain at this time. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office led the multi-agency investigation, which included NPS rangers and special agents, FBI and ATF agents, Forest Service officers, and Virginia State Police troopers. An anonymous “Crime Stoppers” tip was subsequently received that identified Ralph Jackson of Stuart’s Draft as a suspect. Jackson was taken into custody yesterday afternoon through a cooperative effort by the above agencies, supported by a Park Police tactical team and their Eagle 1 helicopter and crew. Jackson has been interviewed and has given information consistent with his having done the shooting. Prosecutors from the US Attorney’s Office and August County will determine what charges will be made and which jurisdiction will handle the case. The park is grateful for the assistance received from law enforcement personnel from all the involved agencies, including Shenandoah NP and New River Gorge NR, and for the way they managed this case. The hard work of the investigators was critical in attaining the positive and expedient outcome. For a related news story, click on the link below.
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