Idaho man charged after allegedly crashing into park rangers’ vehicle near Lake Powell

ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) — An Idaho man is facing a federal charge after allegedly crashing into a park ranger vehicle, leading to an officer-involved shooting earlier this month.

Gregory Aaron Farley, 51, is being charged with assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon on an employee of the United States, according to court documents. On Saturday, May 3, two park rangers in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area were responding to a call of an erratic driver in a white pickup truck near Lake Powell.

The rangers initiated a traffic stop on a white pickup truck being driven by Farley on Highway 89. Farley is accused of fleeing the scene while one of the rangers was speaking to him, and nearly hitting one of the rangers.

“During the pursuit, Farley turned around and collided into the driver’s side of the rangers’ vehicle,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah said. “As a result, the rangers were pushed into the shoulder of the road, the airbags deployed, and the driver’s side door was rendered inoperable.”

After colliding with the rangers’ vehicle, Farley reportedly reversed and was still facing the rangers, after which both rangers fired their weapons at the suspect. Farley received medical aid at the scene and was taken into custody.

The incident occurred near the junction to the Lone Rock Beach Campground road around 8 p.m. on May 3, officials said. The National Park Service previously reported that no rangers were seriously injured during the incident.

Farley is scheduled to appear in court in St. George on May 19.