BRIGADEN GAP, March. -- Residents of a small, tight-knit community in southwestern Marchenay are reeling after a local park ranger was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday afternoon.
The shooting occurred at Clear Forest State Park in rural Carde County, nestled in the rolling Blueshott Mountains, near the Marchenay-Kensington state border.
Park Ranger James E. McEniff, 65, was about to clock off his shift for the day when he noticed a suspicious vehicle and approached the driver's side.
At that time, an unknown male assailant got out of the vehicle and opened fire, striking McEniff six times in the chest, neck and arm. The vehicle then fled the scene.
A group of hikers who saw the shooting happen called 911, but spotty cell phone reception at the heavily-wooded park delayed calls for help.
Police and medics arrived 20 minutes later, but McEniff was pronounced dead on the scene. The park is located about 10 miles from the nearest town, Brigaden Gap, population 1,200. The nearest large city is Necadia, Kensington, about 40 miles to the southeast.
No suspects have been apprehended at this time. Witnesses were about 300 feet away when the shooting happened, so they could not give detailed descriptions of the suspect due to the long distance.
The suspect is loosely described as a tall, white male, approximately 40-50 years old, with long and curly black and a moustache. He was wearing a light colored shirt and shorts.
Carde County Sheriff Andy Weyrick warned there may be more than one suspect.
"Witnesses only saw one suspect but we don't know how many other people were in the vehicle, if any," Weyrick said.
The suspect's vehicle appeared to be an older 1990s or early 2000s dark green Chevrolet Suburban with Wilkonshire license plates.
A nationwide All-Points-Bulletin (APB) has been issued for vehicles fitting that description.
McEniff was well-known in the community, and local residents were mourning his killing.
"Ranger McEniff is someone who held a prominent standing in our community and we all feel his loss," Sheriff Weyrick said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Carde County Sheriff's Department or the Marchenay State Police.
The shooting occurred at Clear Forest State Park in rural Carde County, nestled in the rolling Blueshott Mountains, near the Marchenay-Kensington state border.
Park Ranger James E. McEniff, 65, was about to clock off his shift for the day when he noticed a suspicious vehicle and approached the driver's side.
At that time, an unknown male assailant got out of the vehicle and opened fire, striking McEniff six times in the chest, neck and arm. The vehicle then fled the scene.
A group of hikers who saw the shooting happen called 911, but spotty cell phone reception at the heavily-wooded park delayed calls for help.
Police and medics arrived 20 minutes later, but McEniff was pronounced dead on the scene. The park is located about 10 miles from the nearest town, Brigaden Gap, population 1,200. The nearest large city is Necadia, Kensington, about 40 miles to the southeast.
McEniff's death is the first for the Marchenay State Parks Department in 24 years. McEniff was already retired and serving in an auxiliary role, the department said in a statement.
"We are tremendously saddened by today's tragedy in Carde County," State Parks Director John McLeod said at a press conference in Newcastle. "Ranger McEniff was a dedicated public servant who loved his community and loved the outdoors and most of all, loved his job of bringing nature to the citizens of Marchenay. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues at this very difficult time," McLeod said.
No suspects have been apprehended at this time. Witnesses were about 300 feet away when the shooting happened, so they could not give detailed descriptions of the suspect due to the long distance.
The suspect is loosely described as a tall, white male, approximately 40-50 years old, with long and curly black and a moustache. He was wearing a light colored shirt and shorts.
Carde County Sheriff Andy Weyrick warned there may be more than one suspect.
"Witnesses only saw one suspect but we don't know how many other people were in the vehicle, if any," Weyrick said.
The suspect's vehicle appeared to be an older 1990s or early 2000s dark green Chevrolet Suburban with Wilkonshire license plates.
A nationwide All-Points-Bulletin (APB) has been issued for vehicles fitting that description.
McEniff was well-known in the community, and local residents were mourning his killing.
"Ranger McEniff is someone who held a prominent standing in our community and we all feel his loss," Sheriff Weyrick said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Carde County Sheriff's Department or the Marchenay State Police.
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