National Park Service Ozark National P.O. Box 490
U.S. Department of the Interior Scenic Riverways Van Buren
Missouri 63965-0490
573-323-4236 phone
573-323-4140 fax
Ozark National Scenic Riverways News Release
August 3, 2006
Patty Dorris 573-323-4236, ext. 225
For Immediate Release
Indictment by Grand Jury
for Threatening Assault of Park Ranger and Water Patrol
On July 15, 2006, law enforcement Rangers from Ozark National Scenic Riverways
responded to a fight at the Blue Spring campground located on the Jacks Fork River in Shannon
County, Missouri. An investigation into the matter revealed that John L. Wolford from Montier,
Missouri, exhibited a knife against another male at his campsite in a threatening and violent
manner. Wolford was apprehended and arrested for alleged public intoxication, disorderly
conduct and attempted assault with a deadly weapon.
While in custody Wolford attempted to assault a U. S. Park Ranger and a Missouri State
Water Patrolman who was assisting in the arrest. Wolford was transferred to the U. S. Marshal’s
office in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he is currently being held without bond. On July 20
the Grand Jury indicted Wolford on four felony counts for exhibiting a weapon in an angry and
threatening manner, threatening to assault a U.S. Park Ranger and a Missouri State Water
Patrolman while engaged in their official duties
On July 20 Wolford appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Lewis M. Blanton
and entered a plea of not guilty. A Pre-Motion hearing has been scheduled for August 10 at the
United States District Court in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Assistant United States Attorney
Keith Sorrell will be the prosecuting the case.
-NPS-
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