Kevin Grange, an award-winning author, firefighter/paramedic, and an all-hazards writer who brings a boots-on-the-ground truth to stories involving EMS, firefighting, search & rescue, helicopter EMS, along with urban and rural medicine joins us in this Ranger Tales episode.Kevin has been a ranger paramedic in 3 of the most iconic National Parks, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Teton.  The experiences that he had working in these iconic places inspired his book, Wild Rescues: A Paramedic's Extreme Adventures in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Kevin's latest book, Grizzly Confidential,  is all about bears, but also the inspiring people who look after them, and we touch on that book at the end. We hope to have him back to discuss Grizzly Confidential in more detail!Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

Ranger Keith is the sole ranger on shift in all of Yellowstone National Park in the wee hours of the morning when he encounters very dangerous fugitives who were on a crosscountry crime spree.  His quick thinking, and expertise saved his life, and the lives of other would be victims.  If you heard this a long time ago, it's definitely worth another listen.  We had already forgotten how crazy this story is and happy to listen again!!Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

Robert Hansen, better known as the "Butcher Baker," is one of the most notorious serial killers in Alaska and one of the most disturbing predators in American true crime history. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Hansen abducted women from Anchorage, flew them into the remote wilderness along the Knik River, and hunted them through the Alaskan backcountry before murdering them. His killing spree finally came to an end after the courageous escape of 17-year-old Cindy Paulson, whose determination helped unravel a case that had baffled investigators for years.In this episode of Crime Off the Grid, retired National Park Rangers Tara and Nancy examine the crimes of Robert Hansen, the FBI profile that pointed investigators toward an unlikely suspect, and the role Alaska's vast wilderness played in both concealing and ultimately exposing his horrific crimes. Join us as we explore one of the most chilling Alaska true crime cases ever investigated and the dark history hidden in one of America's most breathtaking landscapes.Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of murder, sexual violence, and other disturbing crimes.Sources:https://lelandhale.com/butcherbaker/wordpress/2017/11/07/sherry-morrow-found-autopsy/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1536504218776961 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/22/alaska-serial-killer-dies/14426941/ https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/true-crime-in-the-outdoors/category/Robert+Hansen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hansen#Murders_and_capture https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hansen-robert.htmSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

In the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, two USFS biologists were just doing their job conducting research at Gumboot Lake, when a man carrying an AR-15 appears and takes them hostage. The largest multi-agency response in that area occurred to bring the USFS workers to safety.Sources:UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the Eastern District of California, case no. 2:26-mj-0106 SCR https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/fbi-forest-service-hostage-22354161.php?utm_campaign=trueanthem%2B3984&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram&fbclid=PAVERFWATM_GtwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp27BQ1k6iFum2yMyODm0qZwdtb2-anc_o2rTUsH65moeSC32xqCrIqXOlX8l_aem_tI170IFwYEGvbWk2tYCQ8Ahttps://kymkemp.com/2026/07/18/gumboot-lake-kidnapping-suspect-has-documented-mental-health-concerns-prior-hate-crime-case-in-washington-state/?fbclid=IwdGRleATMyPZwZG9mBWZkaWQWUK_3w7mqFI7MZkqomhxdrnEIsrrlMGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7BqvqUveW6PDRxCqlFDwgCGnlxs71g_VXbEoOXOVZ0VEEEsI71BCyQ9gUhVw_aem_QWMgNjrQMUZrCfXbtuE8GQSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

In the news for July 2026, an attempted kidnapping of a trail runner in a NC National Forest; a man charged with harassing and injuring an endangered species in Hawaii; removal of an illegal camper who literally trashed the forest; the possible foul play of a deceased young man off the coast of Mississippi on Gulf Islands National Seashore; a human consumed by a bear in Colorado; and another bison attack in South Dakota.Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

Prolific serial killer, Israel Keyes, is often remembered for the murder that led to his capture in Alaska. But years before his arrest, he lived on Washington's remote Olympic Peninsula, worked in Neah Bay, and, according to the FBI, may have murdered several unidentified victims whose names remain unknown. In this episode of Crime Off the Grid, we explored the lesser-known chapter of the Israel Keyes story. We follow his years on the Olympic Peninsula, including the suspected victim hidden beneath Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, and separated verified facts from internet myths. We also look at Keyes' meticulous planning, his infamous "kill kits," and the haunting blood-drawn skulls discovered after his death.Could some of Israel Keyes' victims still be hidden in America's public lands? More than a decade later, that mystery remains unsolved.Sources:Alaska Serial Killer Attended Racist Church, Knew Terrorists Israel Keyes: Biography, Serial Killer, Murderer, CriminalIsrael Keyes - Wikipedia https://murderpedia.org/male.K/k/keyes-israel.htmIsrael Keyes: Writings — FBIWhat do skulls drawn in Israel Keyes' blood mean? - CBS NewsSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

An anniversary hike. A 1,200-foot fall. A case ruled an accident for nearly two decades. When new evidence surfaced, investigators reopened the death of Bernadette Vander Meer and charged her husband with murder. We break down the affidavit, reveal investigative details not reported in most news stories, and explain how detectives transformed an apparent accident into a homicide investigation. Plus, we share  unique perspective on investigating suspicious deaths in America's national parks.Sources:FIFTH DISTRICT COURT WASHINGTON COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH  AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE IN SUPPORT OF ARREST WARRANTCriminal No. 261501209Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

Hear what happens when a ranger in an old ill-equipped patrol car is in pursuit of an international master of disguise.  You can't make this stuff up! Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

In 2014, a routine contact in Arizona’s Blue Ridge area of the Coconino National Forest turned into a fight for survival. When a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer investigated a vehicle parked off a forest road, he had no idea the encounter would escalate into a violent struggle.Sources:Flag Film Productions, LLCIn Person AccountReenactment of Officer Involved ShootingSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook

In the summer of 2024, Yosemite dispatchers became increasingly concerned about a man making repeated harassing calls to the park's 911 center. What started as an investigation into nuisance phone calls and an illegal campsite hidden near a trailhead would quickly escalate into threats, violence, and an assault on a National Park Service ranger.Source:United States District Court; Eastern District of California; Case no. 1:24-mj-00085-EPGSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) Facebook