MIAMI — A man is facing federal attempted murder and firearms charges after authorities say he opened fire on park rangers Sunday night at Everglades National Park.
A criminal complaint affidavit says Drew Curtis Sikes, 37, shot several rounds from an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle at law enforcement officers as they were trying to get him out of a wooded area in the park, according to a report from the Department of Justice.
Investigators say Sikes had been involved in a domestic violence situation earlier that same day on the Mahogany Hammock Trail. But when rangers got there, they say he had already left in his car -- apparently heading south toward Flamingo. Flamingo is the park's south headquarters – where a visitor center is located.
Officers arrived and used a loudspeaker to identify themselves and direct Sikes out of the woods, according to the DOJ report. Officers say they then heard gunfire and "felt rounds traveling over their heads."
The report says that Sikes continued shooting after receiving several commands to cease-fire, according to the affidavit. After more than an hour of negotiations, officers say Sikes emerged from the woods and was arrested.
Authorities say no one was injured.
Sikes is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal magistrate court Tuesday in Miami.
- Doctors say vaccine passports make sense to limit spread of COVID-19
- 'It moved fast:' UK variant now causing most COVID-19 cases in Florida, doctor says
- Derek Chauvin trial: Witness testimony to resume Tuesday with professional fighter
- Elevated levels of red tide reported in southwest Florida
- Study finds high levels of carcinogen in some hand sanitizer brands
- Church transformed into luxury home up for sale in St. Petersburg
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter