The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI released photos of 24-year-old Benjamin Colton Barnes, whom they’re calling a strong person of interest. (Source: CNN/KIRO)MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA (CNN/KIRO) - Authorities in Washington are searching for a suspect in connection with the shooting death of a park ranger.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office and the FBI released photos of 24-year-old Benjamin Colton Barnes, whom they're calling a "strong person of interest."
Sheriff spokesman Ed Troyer said he's believed to be dangerous, armed with an AR-15 rifle. He said after investigating the officer's vehicle and that of the suspect, they discovered evidence of a gunfight. He also said the suspect is likely a survivalist and well-equipped to live outdoors.
"And we found evidence of other weapons, body armor and things ... that might be called ... survivalist. So this is somebody that's probably experienced with the outdoors," said Troyer.
Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Randy King says Ranger Margaret Anderson was on routine patrol when she tried to pull over someone.
"I think there was a traffic stop and tried to stop an individual and he did not stop, as I understand," said King.
Anderson was able to call for help and law enforcement officers rushed to the scene.
"The sheriff's department deputies that were first there tried to get to her and were fired upon. They managed to get a small team together, get to her, managed to get her of the line of fire, medics checked her and unfortunately she was deceased," said Troyer.
The park was shut down and visitors turned away at the front gate while visitors already inside were locked down inside buildings or evacuated.
Copyright 2012 CNN/KIRO. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WAFB, a Raycom Media Station. 