U.S. Forest Ranger Attacked At Station Near Azusa

AZUSA, Calif. (AP) — Sheriff's officials say a U.S. Forest Service employee was assaulted at a ranger station in the Angeles National Forest near Los Angeles in a bizarre and seemingly unprovoked attack.

Sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker said the ranger was hit in the face with an unknown object on Wednesday afternoon.

Parker says the suspect knocked on the door of the East Fork Ranger Station in a canyon near Azusa and asked to use the phone.

The ranger opened the door, was attacked and left unconscious. When the victim came to, he called 911. He was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Nothing was stolen from the station.

Deputies are conducting traffic stops in the area, looking for the suspect who is reportedly driving a green vehicle.

© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.