CLALLAM COUNTY, Wash. — An "armed and potentially dangerous" man was arrested in Olympic National Park after a days-long search, the National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday morning.
The NPS said the man, who forced the closure of Deer Park and Hurricane Ridge in the park, was arrested Tuesday night with no injuries.
“The success of this response was dependent on the park working in close collaboration with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. “We are grateful to everyone involved for the safe resolution of this difficult situation.”
Deer Park Road and Hurricane Ridge Road above the Heart O’ Hills campground were closed since Sunday after the NPS said a multi-agency response at the park was in place.
Deer Park and Obstruction Point roads will remain closed. Hurricane Ridge reopened late Wednesday morning.
The suspect was described as a man in his 30s who may have been using drugs and suffering mental distress, according to the Clallam County Sheriff's Office.
On Sunday, Aug. 29, park staff responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle associated with downed tress that were blocking access to Deer Park Road. Two trees were felled with a chainsaw.
The suspicious vehicle belonged to an individual reported in a 911 call early that morning who was said to be heavily armed with concerns to his behavior.
The Deer Park area and Hurricane Ridge was evacuated as law enforcement searched for the suspect.
Charges are pending for the man, who is believed to be from the area, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The FBI is also assisting with the investigation.