Pulaski County prosecutor says park rangers were justified in shooting near Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones said an investigation found that three park rangers were justified in shooting a man near Pinnacle Mountain State Park on May 25. The incident began when someone called 911 to report a medical emergency at a home near State Highway 300 in Roland.

According to authorities, first responders found a man with a large gash to his head. While crews were treating the person, state police reported seeing someone nearby holding a machete, and responders called for backup. Park rangers who arrived at the scene shot the person who had been holding the machete.

Authorities launched an investigation into the use of force. "Will Jones determined the use of deadly force by the rangers was in fact justified," the account of the prosecutor's conclusion says. The transcript does not specify whether any criminal charges were filed or the injured person's current medical condition.

The announcement frames a legal finding that the rangers' actions met prosecutorial standards for justification; no further procedural actions or next steps were specified in the record provided.