PERRY COUNTY, Pa. — Update, 10:54 a.m.: Browne was taken into custody without further incident, State Police announced this morning.
Previously: Pennsylvania State Police in Perry County are searching for a suspect accused of setting fires along the Appalachian Trail and assaulting a ranger.
Troopers say they responded to Little Buffalo Road in Juniata Township around 6:30 p.m. yesterday to assist the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with apprehending someone who was setting fires along the famous hiking trail.
The suspect was identified as David Browne, who officials reported as missing yesterday.
Officers say he assaulted a ranger with a stick and threatened to kill him before fleeing into the Susquehanna River, and authorities have not been able to locate him. A State Police air unit spotted Browne with a hatchet in hand shortly before the search was temporarily called off as it got dark due to safety concerns for first responders, according to State Police.
Officials say they do not believe Browne is a danger to the public.
He is described as approximately 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a gray shirt.
Anyone with information as to Browne's whereabouts is asked to call troopers in Newport at 717-567-3110.
