Photo- Media General New Service
Posted: Apr 05, 2010 8:40 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 06, 2010 7:06 AM EDT
5:30 Update: Manhunt Underway for Blue Ridge Parkway Shooter
Shooter On Blue Ridge Parkway - Update 11p.m.
Shooter On The Blue Ridge Parkway A manhunt is underway this morning after an attack last night left at least three people injured, including a state trooper. It happened just before 8:00 p.m. Monday on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Humpback Rock area, just south of Afton Mountain.
Approximately 25 law enforcement officers from various agencies are participating in the manhunt. Officers believe the suspect is armed with a shotgun, and was driving a red vehicle. He is being described as a white male with long gray hair.
Monday night multiple agencies confirmed reports of at least three people injured, possibly more, spread throughout the area.
One of the victims, a female, was airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center. We don't know what her injuries are - whether she was shot or suffered blunt force trauma from a fall. We are told she is speaking with investigators. She is listed in "fair" condition, according to a hospital spokesman. We have been given her name off the record but we are withholding it until that name is made official.
The condition of the second victim, a male, is unknown at this time. There have been indications that it may have been a fatality, but we have not received official confirmation.
The third victim is said to be a state trooper who was not shot, but injured in a rescue attempt. The trooper's injuries are said to be not very serious.
The National Park Service issued a statement at approximately 5:15 this morning – 9 hours after all this began – in which they say they are calling this a ‘double shooting.'
Karen Beck-Herzog of the National Park Service stated "I can confirm that an incident occurred on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rock Point Overlook in the evening last night. And, that there were two victims, a male and a female, both adult, I don't have any information about their condition. There's currently an investigation ongoing between Augusta County, the National Park Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
As a precaution and to make sure the scene is clear for their investigation, the National Park Service has closed the first 13 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Rock Fish Gap entrance on Afton Mountain all the way to mile post 13.
A complicating factor for the search is the lack of communication on Afton Mountain. Also, the Park Service is having technical problems with their transfer tower.
We have a crew on the scene; count on us to bring you all the developing details of this story.
Reported By NBC29 HD News
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