Other: On 6-15-23 between the hours of 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Myself and 2 others had just climbed up the stairs after going down to look at the water falls. We heard a loud car enter the parking area and shut off. however, no one got out of the vehicle as if they intended to hike. I was concerned about my own car because it was the only other one there. My friends and I decided to walk back up to the parking lot to make sure my was not the target of being broken in to or the catalytic converter being stolen. As we approached the parking area, we observed the other car had backed into the parking spot next to my car. We could see the driver standing beside they driver's door. We made noise to let the m know we were approaching, the person standing immediately sat back down in their seat. We saw an adult male slumped over in the passenger seat, totally passed out and not moving or awake. The driver and person who had been standing was an adult women, she seemed oblivious and unaware too. The car was and older car, a big vehicle like police use to drive, possibly a Crown Victoria . The back seat was piled high with clothes,, sleeping bags, blankets, etc. Indicating to me homelessness. The car was painted gray with a large area of the front end painted black. The back window on the drivers side had a star in it, brown like a sheriff's star. It was obvious that they were not intending to hike. We intended to continue our hike but decided the situation seemed unsafe and sketchy. I would have liked to have gotten a photo of their license plate, but as I said they were backed into the spot. As that is a pretty isolated area without others around, I thought I should at least list my concern. It is my hope that the area is patrolled throughout the day. The Leonard Springs Nature Preserve is a beautiful area that those of us who appreciate nature and the beauty of this area should be able to access without risk or fear of something happening to our vehicles or our person. My friends and I are experienced hikers and do so on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this is the first time we have felt such an uncomfortable and sketchy situation. I am certain I would recognize that vehicle again My phone Number is 824-6527 if you need to call me. I felt it was important to list my concern.

Assigned to

Tim Street