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Man Arrested After Opening Fire on Everglades National Park Rangers

A Florida man has been arrested after opening fire on Everglade National Park Rangers this past weekend. 

According to Fox News, a 33-year-old man is in custody after allegedly shooting at Everglades National Park Rangers on Sunday evening. Additionally, no injuries were reported. 

The Everglade National Park Twitter account kept patrons updated on the situation. At 6:45 p.m. last night, the officials warned Flamingo residents to stay away from the area on Main Park Road and “shelter in place.”

The Everglade National Park in Flamingo is located nearly 20 miles away from the Homestead entrance as well as an hour and forty minutes from Miami. Miami officials also aided in the arrest.

“Active shooter incident happening at Everglades NP. Main park road (SR 9336) closed for public safety. Visitors/residents in Flamingo should shelter in place. Suspect is a 33 y.o. white male. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating the response.”

In a thread, the Everglade National Park continued to update the public, saying that the suspect began to fire without warning or reason. 

“There are no injuries to report as of now. Suspect fired at park rangers unprovoked. Suspect is still at large.”

By 9 p.m., the man surrendered to police, and they quickly arrested the man. They continued to ask Florida locals to please keep the area clear. The Everglade Twitter account also noted that there was no media staging allowed. 

Everglade National Park Press Release

Late last night, the Everglade National Park released a press release on the situation. They recount another incident the shooter was involved in earlier on Sunday. 

“Earlier in the day, two park rangers responded to a domestic violence investigation at Mahogany Hammock, involving the same suspect. When the rangers arrived, the suspect had left the scene in his vehicle and was believed to be headed south toward Flamingo. At 5:52 p.m., rangers located the empty vehicle on the main park road, just south of Paurotis Pond. Given the evidence found on scene, the rangers suspected that the subject had fled into the woods and was armed.”

Furthermore, the release concluded with a gracious thanks to all the departments involved in the shooting. 

“Thanks to Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in a successful outcome.”

Due to the confrontation, State Road 9336 in Flamingo still remains closed for now.