A park ranger was shot late Wednesday night and his alleged shooter was later found dead inside a vehicle, Gwinnett County police said.

The ranger, whose name was not released, was shot at Buford Dam Park at Lake Lanier around 10:15 p.m., according to Cpl. Jake Smith. The ranger was transported to the hospital in unknown condition, Smith said.

While investigating the shooting, officers found another person dead, Smith said.

“Responding officers checked the area and found a person matching the description of the suspect deceased inside a nearby vehicle,” Smith said in an emailed statement. “It is possible the suspect committed suicide.”

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com