News

Released: December 20, 2010 - Monday, 01:12 AM

Missing Person - Search and Rescue Operation

Contact: Sgt S. LeberPhone: (805) 781-4550Date and time of incident: December 19, 2010 9:28 AMPlace of Occurrence: Los Padres National Forest Rinconada Trail and Hi Mountain Lookout, Santa MargaritaVictim Information: Christopher Norling, 20 years old of Santa MariaSuspect Information: N/AOn 12/19/10 at 0928 hours, Sheriff's Dispatch received the report of a cross-country runner/hiker that had been swept away in rapid water approximately 4-5 miles in on the Big Falls/Little Falls trail near the Rinconada Trailhead. Cal Fire personnel responded and provided assistance to four of the five hikers (3 males and 1 female), including the swept away hiker who was unharmed. The distressed hiker allegedly entered the water in an attempt to save an accompanying dog as it was swept away.
At approximately 1:45 PM, Cal Fire requested the Sheriff's Department's Search and Rescue Team due to a fifth male member of the hiking party (Norling) whom had not returned. Norling had originally left his party in an attempt to get help but became lost while doing so. Search and Rescue responded to the area and following an extensive search, located the missing hiker at the Hi-Mountain Lookout Station at 7:26 PM. Medical aid was rendered and although mildly hypothermic, the hiker was not transported for medical treatment.

All persons are accounted for however the swept away dog has not been located. Any member of the public with information on the whereabouts of the missing dog, a chocolate lab named "Otto," are asked to contact the Sheriff's Watch Commander at (805) 781-4553.