Ranger Shot at Buford Dam Park

By Joy L. Woodson

Gwinnett County police are reporting that a park ranger has been shot in the Lower Overlook area of Buford Dam Park near Lake Lanier.

Police first received a 911 call about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday (June 26) advising that a park ranger had been shot. When officers responded, they found the ranger with a gunshot wound in the torso, Gwinnett Police reported in a news release. 

He had managed to get to a park road where passers-by called 911. Once police arrived, he told them that the incident began when he approached the suspect to tell her the park was closed.

"Responding officers checked the area and found a person matching the description of the suspect deceased inside a nearby vehicle," Cpl. Jake Smith said in the news release. 

"It is possible the suspect committed suicide," he added.

The ranger was transported to a hospital, and his identity is not being released at this time. His present condition is unknown, as well.

The deceased suspect is described as an adult black female, who was occupying a pickup truck. Her identity is not being released until her family can be contacted.

Police are continuing to investigate.