U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Alfred J. Chavez returns to work Monday after being assaulted and suffering gunshot wounds while investigating an intrusion on federal property near Abiquiu Dam, Dec. 1, according to an agency news release.

Chavez was performing  routine duties near one of the dock areas near the lake when he noticed that unauthorized entry had been made into one of secured pump houses at the lake.  As he began to investigate the intrusion, he was met by two individuals .  When he attempted to make inquiry as to why the two individuals were in the pump house, one of the individuals removed a dark framed revolver from his waistband and fired two shots at Chavez.

According to Chavez, he felt the first round pass near his head, but the second round struck him just above the right knee.  Chavez stumbled to the ground. The attackers fled the scene in a previously stolen vehicle. 

Chavez then phoned for help and was eventually airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital where he underwent surgery.

The two subjects involved in the shooting are still at large.