Ranger who helped nab fugitives hailed as hero

FELICIA FONSECA, JONATHAN J. COOPER, Associated Press Writers

ST. JOHNS, Ariz. — A forest ranger who alertly spotted a pair of fugitives at a remote Arizona campsite was hailed Friday as "a true hero" after his tip allowed a heavily armed law enforcement contingent to capture the couple.

The efforts by the ranger came at great risk. Fugitive John McCluskey had a gun in his possession and said he wished he would have shot the forest ranger and arresting officers when he had the chance, authorities said.

"He is a true hero," Apache County Sheriff Joseph Dedman said of the ranger. "He made c...