By Dan McDermott
Warren County Report Newspaper

(UPDATE) Skyline Drive’s northern entrance in Front Royal has now re-opened. State and Federal authorities have indicated that it may be days before more information is released.

(UPDATE 16:19) — SKYLINE DRIVE, FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA–One man is dead following a high-speed pursuit and gun battle with police at the northern entrance to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park in Front Royal, VA.

According to Virginia State Police Spokesman F. L. Tyler, National Park Service authorities requested assistance from state and local police in stopping a vehicle traveling north on Skyline Drive at approximately 11 am March 8, 2009. A BOL (Be on the Lookout) alert had been issued for the vehicle and a police officer on the scene said the driver was a suspect in a homicide. That could not be confirmed.

According to Tyler, when the vehicle was stopped a gun battle ensued between police and the vehicles driver resulting in the driver’s death.

The Front Royal Skyline Drive entrance remains closed and the matter is being investigated by federal, state and park authorities.

(UPDATE 15:40) — Shenandoah National Park Spokesperson Karen Beck Herzog says the shooting is under investigation by the FBI, Virginia State Police and the National Park Service, all of whom are at the scene.

(UPDATE 14:52) – Police in Front Royal, VA say a homicide suspect was fatally shot following a high-speed chase on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

(ORIGINAL STORY 11:45) Front Royal, VA — One person lies dead next to a bullet-ridden van at the north entrance to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park in Front Royal. Police say no authorities were injured. Warren County Report has staff at the scene.