Jackson Burley Coombs, 30, launched a vicious, unprovoked assault on two tourists inside the women’s restroom at Yellowstone National Park in July 2018 — a frenzied attack that ended with victims bloodied, choking on bear spray, and left fearing for their lives. The assault unfolded at the Xanterra Cabin Community Bathrooms, where Coombs, his face wrapped in toilet paper, ambushed a woman inside a locked stall, pounding the door until it gave way.
Once inside, Coombs began punching the woman in the face and head, seizing her jaw as she screamed for help. Her traveling companion rushed in after hearing her cries and was immediately set upon by Coombs, who deployed bear spray on both victims. The chemical agent filled the small bathroom, blinding and incapacitating the pair as Coombs continued his assault. A passerby intervened, charging into the restroom and helping to pin Coombs down until U.S. Park Rangers arrived and took him into custody.
The female victim suffered a concussion, multiple facial bruises, and deep lacerations. Witnesses described her as dazed and bleeding profusely when emergency responders arrived. The male victim, though less physically injured, reported lasting respiratory effects from the bear spray exposure and severe emotional trauma. Both were treated on-site before being transported for further medical evaluation.
Coombs pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of simple assault. On April 24, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced him to seventy-eight months in federal prison. The judge cited the brazen, predatory nature of the attack and the vulnerability of the victims as aggravating factors in the sentencing.
U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Mark A. Klaassen condemned the assault in a statement following the sentencing. “The nature and circumstances of the unprovoked assault in this case are truly appalling,” Klaassen said. “I am sorry for the pain and emotional distress the victim of this senseless attack has had to endure, and thankful for the courage of those who heard the commotion and took action to subdue Coombs before he could inflict any further harm.” He also praised law enforcement’s swift response.
After completing his prison term, Coombs will serve thirty-six months of supervised release. He has been ordered to pay $2,199.00 in restitution to the victims and a $125.00 special assessment. Federal authorities emphasize that crimes within national parks fall under federal jurisdiction, ensuring that violent offenders like Coombs face serious consequences regardless of where the crime occurs.
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Key Facts
- State: Wyoming
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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