Staunton State Park, a sprawling 3,908-acre haven of rugged trails and towering pines southwest of Denver, was shattered on the morning of August 19, 2025, by a violent act that has sparked one of the most intense manhunts in recent Colorado history. A seasonal Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger, tasked with protecting the park’s pristine wilderness, was brutally stabbed in a shocking altercation near the Old Mill Trail, sending shockwaves through the quiet mountain community and beyond. As the ranger fights for survival, airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, authorities have descended on the park in a relentless pursuit of the armed suspect who vanished into the dense woods, leaving behind a scene of chaos and fear.

The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m., when the ranger, a dedicated seasonal worker, encountered a man described as a white male in his early 30s, standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. With brown hair, a clean-shaven face, and clad in a plain gray shirt and blue jeans, the suspect appeared unremarkable—until an altercation turned deadly. Near the Staunton Rocks climbing area, the suspect allegedly plunged a knife into the ranger’s torso, inflicting serious injuries that required immediate surgery. Before authorities could respond, the assailant fled on foot, disappearing into the park’s labyrinth of trails and thick forests, triggering an all-out response from law enforcement.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, leading the charge, has transformed the park into a locked-down fortress. Staunton State Park, nestled just west of Conifer along S. Elk Creek Road, is now closed to the public, its trails emptied as officials evacuate hikers and visitors. A Lookout Alert was issued to 8,600 homes in the surrounding area, urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Nearby schools, including Elk Creek Elementary, West Jefferson Middle, Conifer High, Rocky Mountain Academy, and West Jefferson Elementary, were placed on lockout, with students sheltered indoors as the search intensified. “This could not be more serious than it is,” said Jacki Kelley, the sheriff’s office public information officer, underscoring the gravity of the situation. “All the resources we can possibly throw at this right now, we are.”

The manhunt is a spectacle of modern policing, with a coalition of agencies converging on the park. The Colorado State Patrol, Golden Police Department, Arvada Police Department, Lakeside Police Department, AirLife, regional SWAT teams, Jefferson County’s Special Operations Response Teams, and drone units are all deployed, scouring the rugged terrain from both air and ground. Drones buzz overhead, their cameras sweeping the canopy, while heavily armed officers comb the trails, stopping and questioning anyone they encounter. Aerial footage captured by Denver’s ABC affiliate KMGH reveals a tense scene: law enforcement fanning out across the park, their weapons drawn, as they hunt for a man considered armed and dangerous.

As the search stretches into the evening, roadblocks have been established at key exits, with deputies meticulously searching every vehicle leaving the park. The suspect, last spotted near the Lazy V Trailhead, remains at large, his motives still a mystery. Authorities have warned the public not to approach him, urging anyone with information to call 911 immediately. The community, meanwhile, is on edge. Kasey Pickren, a recent transplant to nearby Elk Falls Ranch, told Denver7 she moved to the area seeking the peace of a quiet mountain town—only to find herself caught in the midst of this unfolding drama.

Staunton State Park, a beloved retreat just 38 miles from Denver, is known for its breathtaking vistas and challenging trails. Opened in 2013, it has long been a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. But today, it is a battleground, its tranquility replaced by the hum of helicopters and the urgency of a manhunt. As the sun sets over the Rockies, the question looms: will the suspect be found before he strikes again? For now, the ranger remains in the thoughts of a shaken community, his survival a testament to the bravery of those who protect Colorado’s wild places. The hunt continues, and Staunton State Park holds its breath.