News Release
NPS photo of an entrance sign in Yellowstone National Park.
News Release Date: April 25, 2019
Contact: NPS Investigative Services Branch, 202-379-4761
A man who assaulted two visitors in Yellowstone National Park last July will serve 6.5 years in prison. Jackson B. Coombs, age 30, was recently sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty at a separate court hearing to one count of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of simple assault.
The charges stemmed from an incident on July 18, 2018, when Coombs was arrested by US Park Rangers after a report of an assault in progress at the Xanterra Cabin Community Bathrooms in the park. Coombs hid in a stall in the women’s bathroom, wrapped his face with toilet paper, then banged on the door of another stall where a woman had entered. He then began to punch the woman in the face and head, at one point grabbing her by the jaw. She was able to yell for help and her traveling companion entered the bathroom to help her. Upon entering, he was also assaulted by Coombs, who used bear spray on both victims. A passerby entered the bathroom to help subdue the suspect until rangers arrived. The woman suffered a concussion as well as many bruises and cuts to her face.
“The nature and circumstances of the unprovoked assault in this case are truly appalling,” said the US Attorney for Wyoming, who prosecuted the case. “I am sorry for the pain and emotional distress the victim of this senseless attack has had to endure, and thankful for the courage of those who heard the commotion and took action to subdue Coombs before he could inflict any further harm. I also appreciate our law enforcement partners in responding to the scene and assisting my office in bringing this case to justice.”
The close coordination of investigative efforts by US Park Rangers and Special Agents of the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch was crucial in the successful prosecution of this case. Upon completion of his prison sentence Coombs will be on supervised release for 3 years. He was also ordered to pay $2,199 in restitution plus a special assessment fee.
The National Park Service is dedicated to ensuring that every victim of or witness to a crime that occurs within the National Park System is treated with dignity and respect, that they are informed of their legal rights, and that their voices are heard. Support and services are available throughout the continuum of care. More information is on the US Department of Justice website: ovc.gov/help/index.html
ISB: the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service
www.nps.gov/ISB
Last updated: April 25, 2019