Joshua Tree |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-2024. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
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Wednesday, November 12, 1986 Location: Unknown Mr. R.C. was reported missing by his family on October 31st; the park was notified on November 8th. Park search teams found the body early on the following morning. Death was by gunshot and was ruled a suicide. The victim was a nuclear physicist and head of safety and security for Naval Ocean Systems Center in San Diego; he held a top secret clearance.
Location: Highway 12 Ms. M.G. was driving alone in her car at a high rate of speed when her car left the road, hit a Joshua tree and rolled over. The car was demolished and she was killed.
Location: Rt 12, 6 miles from West Entrance Station K.B. was apparently driving at a high rate of speed, and lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway, flipping several times. San Bernadino County Coroner pronounced K.B. and his passenger dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol and National Park Service personnel are investigating.
Location: 1 mile west of Pinto wye A motor vehicle accident in the park resulted in the death of the driver, Mr. D.P., and the injury of two passengers. One is presently in critical condition.
Location: Walkout Canyon The wife of a Marine and an unidentified male were riding around in the park's backcountry in a '68 Mustang and eventually became stuck just outside the park boundary. The man walked out to Desert Hot Springs; although suffering from heat stroke, he was able to advise authorities that his companion was still out there. The park, local sheriff's office and California Highway Patrol began a search which resulted in the discovery of her body in Walkout Canyon, 1.5 miles from the boundary. Cause of death was heat stroke. A search of the car revealed considerable amounts of heroin, cocaine, syringes and other drug paraphernalia.
Location: Park headquarters California Highway Patrol officers spotted an International Scout headed toward the Marine base at 23 Palms and attempted to stop it for vehicular- infractions. L.M., the driver, turned the vehicle and headed toward the park's headquarters with police in pursuit. Officers saw him light a flare one mile from the IIQ and another one block from the building; both were placed under the front seat of the Scout. The vehicle crashed through the wall surrounding the cactus garden in front of the visitor center/KQ complex and came to a stop. L.M. fired 4 to 5 rounds from a weapon, then both the vehicle and L.M. ignited. L.M. fled but was still charred from the waist up; he is in a burn center, but is not expected to live. The vehicle contained 5 10-gallon containers of butane, 2 tanks of acetylene, 10 1-quart containers of butane, 50 gallons of gas in 2 1/2 and 5-gallon containers, hundreds of bocks of matches, and many flares. The vehicle also contained several weapons. Subsequent investigation by MPS, California Highway Patrol and Sail Bernadino PD reveal that the fire was "a planned human incendiary attack on a government installation." The feeling is that the park buildings were a secondary target once it became clear that 29 Palms was not reachable. The park visitor center and KQ are opened as usual; the park reports about $5000 in damage to the wall and garden.
Location: Park headquarters Incident Summary: L.M. drove through a wall in front of park headquarters, then ignited his vehicle, which was full of acetylene, butane and gasoline. L.M. was badly burned. Police stated that this was "a planned human incendiary attack on a government installation." Follow-up: It's since been learned that L.M. was well known to rangers at Grand Canyon. He was arrested for assaulting a ranger there some time ago, and had filed an unsuccessful torte claim against the park which had claimed that the arrest was illegal. He reportedly had great hatred for the Park Service and for the IRS, and had recently lost his house to the latter for non-payment of taxes. L.M. is said to have been a great admirer of the "monkey wrench" approach to environmental radicalism; one of the tenets of that philosophy is that a person who believes in "monkey wrenching" and is for some reason disposed to commit suicide should at the same time destroy something man-made - such as a dam or power plant - which is perceived to be environmentally intrusive. It has been determined that the visitor center and headquarters of the park were L.M.'s target, not the Marine base at 29 Palms. L.M. made several attempts to ignite the flammables in his vehicle before succeeding, then shot himself with a derringer. Although wounded and burned over 44% of his body, he is still alive and in intensive care. The FBI has estimated that the material in his vehicle had the explosive equivalent of 1,150 sticks of dynamite; it failed to explode as such because the cans containing the materials vented as designed when exposed to extreme heat.
L.M., who drove the vehicle involved in the incendiary attack on the park's visitor center, died on July 12th as a result of burns and other injuries sustained in that attack. The FBI has labeled the incident an "intra-country terrorist attack" and is actively investigating the incident to find out whether or not any other persons were involved. The park's chief ranger will advise us of any further developments.
Location: Park Rt #12 R.H. was the driver of a vehicle along with 2 passengers, which turned over at a curve in the road which was posted 35 MPH. The estimated speed of the R.H. vehicle was 80 MPH. R.H. was pinned under the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The passengers were unhurt. Alcohol has been determined to be a contributing factor. Next of kin has been notified.
Location: Johnson Spring Area J.L. had been camping at Indian Cove CG for 3 weeks with a female companion. J.L. reportedly left the campsite at 11:00pm on 8/15. He was reported missing at 2:00pm on 8/16. His body was found south of the campground where he had appeared to have fallen 40'. Recovery was performed by El Torro Marine helicopter and NFS climbing team. NFS personnel are working with sheriff's office to notify next of kin.
Although the Harmonic Convergence occurred several weeks ago, it took some time to get reports on the event from the parks which were involved in Southwestern and Western Regions due to travel and other obligations. The attached reports summarize the course of events at Chaco Canyon, Joshua Tree, Haleakala, Golden Gate and Grand Canyon. DATED: 08/26/87 Joshua Tree National Monument reports extraordinary crowds during the event held August 15-17. A total of 2,384 visitors were counted through the one manned entrance station with many more arriving on other roads. All 553 camping sites were filled Friday night with 257 cars parked in one campground with 50 sites. Patrol rangers reported near-total grid lock the entire weekend. Problems encountered ranged from minor first aid through heat exhaustion due to many visitors fasting in the extreme heat. Two unrelated SAR incidents occurred during the weekend; one victim, killed in a climbing accident, was evacuated and two marooned climbers were rescued. One SAR member was hospitalized for heat stroke incurred in one endeavor.
Location: Echo Cove Mr. H.L., a park visitor and experienced climber, fell approximately 40' while leading a difficult (5.9) technical rock climb. He was stabilized at the scene of the incident by Joshua Tree search and rescue team members, then carried out and transported to a hospital. He is in stable condition with a fractured arm, dislocated shoulder and damaged trachea.
Location: Deception Canyon A Metropolitan Water District employee discovered what has since been identified as an abandoned PCP laboratory. Rangers found six empty five gallon plastic trash cans with PCP residue, miscellaneous glassware, 12 empty Drano cans, two pairs of rubber gloves and two pairs of white trousers. The lab appears to have been there for about two months. The road leading to the site is a dirt road and is open to the public. The US Coast Guard National Response Center was notified, and the materials have been removed by a toxic spill contractor. There are no suspects; investigation continues.
Location: Backcountry A fifteen-year-old female was sexually assaulted while on a group Outward Bound excursion in the park. The suspect, a sixteen-year-old male with a prior history of rape, was arrested for rape and sexual battery. He was a member of the group, and made a total confession to park ranger investigators on the 24th, when the incident was reported. The suspect was arrested by Riverside Sheriff's Office and is in the county juvenile center.
Location: Park Headquarters Museum Containers of unknown substances were discovered when a museum curator began cataloguing over 100,000 artifacts in the Keys collection on May 29th. Due to an unusual odor, the Marine Corps Toxic Response Team was called for assistance. The materials were transported to the Marine depot, identified and destroyed. The containers contained 1 1/2 gallons of lethal ammonia (one breath is deadly), 1/2 gallon of nitro-glycerin (equal to 21 sticks of dynamite), 1/2 gallon of sulfuric acid, and 10 gallons of carbide. These materials had been in storage in the collection since 1976. The Marine team will work with the park to determine whether there are any other toxic materials at the Keys Ranch.
Location: Pinto Basin Two 21-year-old Marines from the Marine base at Twenty-Nine Palms were exploring an area outside the park on three-wheel vehicles with some friends on Saturday, June 11th, when they became separated from the group and strayed into Pinto Basin. Their vehicles ran out of gas, so they attempted to walk out to safety. The two were dressed in tank tops and snorts and had no water with them; temperatures in the shade reached 105 degrees, and the ground temperature was above 130 degrees. Their companions reported the two overdue on Sunday, and the park immediately initiated a major search, employing ground searchers, helicopters and dog tracking teams. At 1 a.m. on Monday, a Joshua Tree tracking team found the two men. They are currently being treated in the base hospital for dehydration and hypothermia.
On April 24th, a Metropolitan Water District patrol officer discovered the remains of a PCP drug lab on the southwest side of the park. The chemicals which had been used by the lab, which had the capability of producing 100 gallons per run, were found to be contaminating the area. A hazardous materials specialist was called in, and a contractor was hired by the park to clean up the site with a front end loader. Removal of the contaminants was completed yesterday afternoon. Three other drug labs have been discovered in or near the park in the last month. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via RAD/WRO).
K.H., 30, an employee at Death Valley who was working at Joshua Tree, was seriously injured in an accident on May 10th. K.H. was leading a pack train out of the park after delivering supplies to a mining operation when her horse was startled by a passing car. The horse began bucking, and K.H. was thrown into a stand of cholla cactus, with the animal landing on top of her and kicking her in the head. She was transported to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, where she underwent surgery. She is listed in serious condition with a fractured skull and possible internal injuries. (Rick Anderson, Superintendent, JOTR, via Herb Gercke, RADAM)).
On the night of June 9th, a wildland fire was started by two military white phosphorous incendiary grenades near Keys View. Because of quick response by park, BLM and California Division of Forestry engine crews, the fire was limited to two acres. This was the second arson fire in four days in the monument. The park is conducting a joint investigation into the fires with the Marine Corps' Criminal Investigation Division and the Naval Intelligence Service. The fire at Keys View is thought to be related to an attempted burglary of a pipe safe at that location. Attempts were made to shoot the lock off the safe, and interpretive signs, trash cans and pamphlet boxes were also shot full of holes. Over 100 rounds of expended brass were found in the area. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via faxed message to RAD/WASO).
On June 21st, 36-year-old R.F.W. of Long Beach, California, began a two-day, round-trip hike from Turkey Flats to Pinto Peak. Although weather conditions - temperatures above 105 degrees, five percent humidity and 35 to 45 m.p.h. winds - dictated that he would need a minimum of five gallons of water to safely make the hike, R.F.W. carried only two gallons with him. When a friend of R.F.W.'s reported him overdue at 9 a.m. on the 23rd, the park initiated a large scale search for him. A helicopter flight was made to Pinto Peak, where searchers found R.F.W.'s entry in the peak log. In it, R.F.W. said that he was already in distress. At 3 p.m. that afternoon, R.F.W.'s body was found a quarter of a mile from a road in Pinto Basin. He was apparently a victim of the elements. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO).
Following an undercover operation which was conducted on April 22nd, rangers made four arrests of individuals on drug charges. Two of the four were cited, booked and released. The remaining two, L.W. and D.J., were each charged with three felony counts - possession of a controlled substance, possession for sales of a controlled substance, and sales of a controlled substance. Each was also charged with being under the influence, a misdemeanor. The two have been arrested in the park on numerous occasions in the past for drug and weapons infractions. They have been bound over to Barstow Superior Court for a trial in August. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via telefax to RAD/WRO and RAD/WASO).
On August 30th, 23-year-old M.L. of Chiraco Summit, California, left his residence on a three-wheeler to "look for snakes." Leedom was dressed in tennis shoes, levi jeans and a T-shirt; he took only a can of beans, a small supply of water, and a shotgun with him. After he'd been overdue for two days, M.L.'s father reported him as missing to the Riverside Sheriff's Office. The sheriff asked Paul Henry, the park's chief ranger, to lead the search, which began on September 1st and involved 11 agencies. Ten NPS personnel joined in the effort. The search area covered about 200 square miles, half of which was in the park. No clues or tracks of any kind were discovered during two full days of searching, and the search went into the passive mode on the evening of the 2nd. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO).
Over the course of the past week, Joshua Tree experienced a series of auto burglaries and thefts from campgrounds; all together, approximately $7,000 worth of climbing gear, clothing, cash and other items were stolen. On the 28th, D.R. of Yucca valley, California, was arrested and charged with these thefts. J.C. is a known heroin addict with an extensive criminal history, including 14 convictions for burglary, auto theft, petty theft and interstate flight. J.C. and his three brothers, all of whom live in the area, are known locally as methamphetamine manufacturers, drug dealers and burglars. J.C. has admitted to stealing $4,286 worth of climbing and camping gear and selling it for $75 to buy heroin. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO).
On February 10th, T.B., 26, of Santa Barbara, California, became lost in the park's backcountry while carrying photographic equipment for a camera crew. Sometime thereafter, T.B. fell, struck his head, and lost consciousness for most of the afternoon and evening. The park initiated a search and found T.B. in good condition at midnight. The next day, B.C., 24, of Los Angeles, became separated from his friends while in Cottonwood Canyon and became lost. B.C. was dressed in shorts with no shirt, carried no water, and was hiking on crutches due to a leg amputation. Although daytime temperatures remained in the low 70's, nights were cooling to near or below freezing. Since hypothermia was a concern, a search was begun that night. B.C. was found buried in sand, which he'd done to keep warm. He was treated for shock, kept in sleeping bags overnight, and evacuated in good condition by helicopter the following day. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe messages from Herb Gercke, 1 p.m. EST, 2/13/90).
On February 5th, a San Bernadino sheriff's department officer making a routine patrol of the Fan Hill area discovered a PCP or methamphetamine lab dump site just outside the park's northern border. The site contained empty cans of ether, Red Devil lye, and 17 55-gallon plastic cans used for mixing chemicals. Four cubic yards of toxic residue were removed by hazardous materials crews on the 7th. This is the sixteenth such site found within the park or near its boundaries since 1988. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe report from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 11 a.m. EST, 2/14/90).
On February 19th, rangers responded to a report of persons discharging firearms in the Indian Cove campground and arrested J.M.O. and his daughter, J.J.W. A search of J.M.O. revealed a loaded .380 automatic pistol and an illegal knife. J.M.O. was also found to be wearing a Coachella Police Department uniform shirt with two shoulder patches and an Arizona Department of Public Safety special police metal badge under his jacket. J.M.O.'s vehicle was searched, and rangers discovered two loaded .44 magnum revolvers, two loaded .357 magnum revolvers, one loaded .22 semi-automatic pistol, one 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot, a 9 mm fully-automatic machine gun with six 32-round magazines in its case, and over 2,000 rounds of 9 mm and other assorted ammunition. J.M.O. and J.J.W. were charged with a number of violations, including possession of a Title II firearm, being a felon in possession of a weapon, impersonating a police officer, giving false information, and discharging firearms in an NPS area. A search warrant was executed at J.M.O.'s home, and many other police department uniform items were found, including Forest Service uniform shirts and shoulder patches. J.M.O.'s vehicle found to be registered to a Forest Service dispatcher in Riverside, California. J.M.O. is a known member of the Ku Klux Klan and "The Chosen Few", an outlaw motorcycle gang. He has twenty prior arrests, most involving sale or possession of drugs. Two of the arrests were for the sale of dangerous weapons. J.M.O. has also been convicted of assault with attempt to murder. The investigation continues, as fresh blood was found on an axe handle and other items in the suspect's vehicle. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4:30 p.m. EST, 2/20/90).
At about 3 p.m. on the 21st, J.S., 22, of Yosemite, California, fell 40 to 50 feet while free solo climbing in Bighorn Mating Grotto, a remote and rugged area of the park. A companion reported the incident to park rangers within the hour. Due to the injuries sustained by J.S. and the remote nature of the area, the park requested and received assistance from the U.S. Marine Corps' El Toro Air Rescue Unit. Ranger ground crews, assisted by rescue helicopters, hoisted the victim on a 250 foot cable system and transferred him to another craft equipped with paramedics and advance life support capabilities. J.S. was flown to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, where he is listed in good condition with multiple abrasions, contusions and an acute neck strain. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 10:30 a.m. EST, 2/26/90).
During the weekend of the 17th and 18th, rangers made six separate drug cases, seized drug paraphernalia and arrested one person. The arrest resulted from an incident at Lost Palms Oasis in which a 24-year-old woman who had taken numerous tabs of acid had stopped breathing. Her companions administered CPR while a visitor went for help. Since Lost Palms Oasis is four miles from the nearest road, the California Highway Patrol assisted in locating the woman with one of their helicopters. The woman refused assistance from the medic on the helicopter, however, and refused to get on board. She was then escorted back to the trailhead by rangers and arrested. The woman was found to be an addict with over 100 needle marks on her body. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/VJRO, 4:30 EST, 3/19/90).
At 4 a.m. on April 9th, ranger Grady Arrington, 40, was seriously injured in a one-car motor vehicle accident outside of the park. Grady Arrington was returning home from another employee's residence when the accident occurred. He was first taken to a hospital in Twenty-Nine Palms, but was then medevaced to Palm Springs for specialized treatment. Doctors have determined that Grady Arrington suffered a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra; he has full movement in his right arm, slight movement in his left arm, and no movement or sensation below the waist. Grady Arrington also suffered severe bruising of the chest, but a CAT scan revealed no injuries to his head. There are no plans for surgery. (Rick Anderson, Superintendent, JOTR, via CompuServe messages from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 11 a.m. EDT and 5 p.m. EDT, 4/9/90).
Ranger Grady Arrington, who was seriously injured in a one-car motor vehicle accident outside of the park on April 9th, underwent emergency surgery late on the 10th in which bone segments from his hip were transplanted to his cervical vertebrae to bolster the fracture area. This was done to reduce the swelling which was applying pressure to his spinal cord. His doctors have stated that it is virtually certain that he will not be able to walk again and are presently working to save feeling and control in his upper body. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/11/90).
Last weekend, doctors performed a tracheotomy on ranger Grady Arrington in order to improve his labored breathing, and it now appears that, they have his pneumonia under control. Grady Arrington was up in a special wheelchair for a short time and physical therapists are optimistic because he is regaining control of his hands and arms. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via SEAdog message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/19/90).
Over the course of the past weekend, park rangers were involved in a number of significant incidents: * On the 22nd, a 37-year-old man who suffers from cerebral palsy abandoned his horse when it became balky and refused to continue. A search which involved 60 persons was initiated, and the victim was found at 3 p.m. He was suffering from dehydration compounded by other medical problems, and was medevaced to a hospital for treatment. He is reported to be in satisfactory condition. * A 21-year-old local resident was bitten by a rattlesnake on the lower leg while hiking. An EMS team was sent to the scene, took immediate action and medevaced the victim to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. * A female juvenile found a live military anti-intrusion grenade, pulled the pin and detonated the device. She was engulfed in flame and phosphorous, which was extinguished by her mother, who transported the child to a medical facility. The child's grandmother, who was also at the scene of the incident, fell and dislocated her hip and fractured a femur during the incident. A search of the area was corrected, but no further ordinance was found. The search, however, lead to the following. * Rangers discovered the 19th clandestine drug lab found along the park's boundaries over the past three years. The lab was in Long Canyon, just a hundred yards outside the boundary. Discarded chemical containers and numerous empty M-16, AK-47, 9 mm. and 45 caliber shell casings were found at the site. Riverside county sheriff's deputies are investigating, and a hazardous materials disposal unit cleaned the area of toxic materials. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4:30 p.m. EDT, 4/24/90).
Ranger Grady Arrington's condition improved over the past week. His pneumonia has been reduced and he is now off the respirator. Grady is also receiving therapy twice a day and his upper body movement has increased slightly. Visitors other than his wife may see him. A trust fund has been established to reduce the high cost of his medical bills. Anyone interested in helping can send their donations to the Ranger Grady Trust Fund, c/o Kathy Davis, Administrative Officer, Joshua Tree NM, 74485 National Monument Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 6:30 p.m. EDT, 5/2/90).
Ranger Grady Arrington is a quadriplegic from mid-chest down. He is on a respirator, but it may be possible to remove the machine in another ten days or so. Grady has been able to move his left arm slightly and his right arm a little more. He is able to move his fingers very slightly. Splints have been placed on his wrists and hands - two hours on, two hours off - to aid therapy and keep his wrists and fingers from locking. Grady receives therapy several times daily and is able to speak if the nurse adjusts the respirator. He will continue to wear a head traction splint and chest brace for approximately four months. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Ranger Grady Trust Fund can send donations directly to Joshua Tree NM. Requests for donations of annual leave will be made in the near future. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via SEAdog/CompuServe bridge from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRD, 8:30 a.m. EDT, 5/16/90).
At about 1:30 a.m. on July 12th, J.W., 17, of Huntington Beach, California, was killed while attempting to "play Superman" by holding on to the top of a companion's pickup truck while the driver swerved through the Indian Cove campground trying to throw him off. J.W. was in fact thrown from the roof, landed on his head, and apparently died immediately. The California Highway Patrol arrested the driver for felony DUI, and the park's chief ranger arrested eight more in the party for public intoxication and possession of alcohol. The group had consumed 52 cans of beer in two and a half hours and had another two cases of beer in their possession. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 7/12).
On July 9th, ranger patrols discovered that a large and illegal para-military training party had camped in a remote area of the park which is five miles from any paved area and accessible only with four-wheel-drive vehicles. Evidence collected at the scene included over 600 rounds of rifle and pistol casings from 9-mm, AK-47 and M-16 weapons, indicating considerable live firing at the site. The area is within two miles of a desert big horn sheep watering hole. (Paul Henry, GR, JCTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 7/30).
On August 2nd, Grady developed bilateral pneumonia and was returned to the hospital's intensive care unit. He is on a ventilator, has had another tracheotomy, and is having fluids removed from both lungs. Doctors report that his pneumonia is very difficult to control, and he is therefore receiving massive doses of antibiotics. He will remain in ICU from eight to ten days. Doctors feel he will recover, however. (CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 8/6).
On August 18th, Joshua Tree and BLM rangers, assisted by California Highway Patrol officers, arrested three individuals near the park's south boundary who were armed with M-16 machine guns, semi-automatic pistols and other assorted handguns. Approximately 1,000 rounds of automatic weapons ammunition was also confiscated. The suspects were charged with possession of Title II machine guns. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WR0, 8/20).
A search was initiated on August 18th for a suicidal man thought to be within the park. The subject was known to be armed with two survival knives and was a heavy user of illegal drugs. A search effort was coordinated with the assistance of CHP helicopters and San Bernadino County Sheriff's Office trackers. Volunteer trackers were not used due to the individual's history of violence and the fact that he was armed with deadly weapons. The subject was found by park rangers about two miles from the point where he'd last been seen. He was arrested and transported to the county's psychiatric ward. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 8/20).
On January 19th, J.O. was arrested by park rangers for possession of a concealed deadly weapon, impersonating a police officer, discharging a firearm in the park, giving false information to a police officer, possession of an explosive device and possession of a machine gun. On August 10th, a jury found J.O. guilty on all charges after three days of testimony in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. J.O. is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15th, and will probably receive two years in a federal penitentiary. He has 12 prior felony arrests, including assaults on police officers, attempted murder and the manufacture of automatic weapons. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 8/20).
Last week, Grady returned home to Joshua Tree for the first time since his accident in April. He will continue his therapy as an outpatient at Palm Springs Desert Hospital. Doctors have said that he will be able to accept a position which is being held open for him in Southeast Region if his strength continues to improve. A team of specialists has determined that Grady sustained an extremely serious fracture of a cervical vertebra and that he will remain paralyzed from the waist down. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 10/19).
On October 18, 1984, three-year-old L.B. disappeared from the park's Indian Cove (lampground. Her disappearance touched off a massive search and investigation which had nationwide ramifications on the way reports of missing children were handled by police agencies. In March of 1986, a fragment of a human skull was discovered about a mile and a half northwest of the campground. Tests of blood and DNA from the skull and from her parents were subsequently conducted. The results, which were recently released, reveal that the DNA typing from the skull is consistent with the DNA which would be found in a child of the family. The blood test was also positive. Taken together, they indicate a very high probability that the skull fragment was from the body of L.B. The case will now become a death investigation rather than a missing person investigation, and investigators will no longer pursue reports of current live sightings of L.B. (CRO, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 12/26).
The park received a report of an unidentified aircraft landing on a remote runway in the Pinto Basin on December 6th. The runway and adjoining cabin are on a park inholding; in the past, rangers have had numerous problems with the owner and other occupants living on the property. Upon arriving, responding rangers found the cabin door open and ten sticks of dynamite, 500 rounds of AK-47 tracer ammunition and numerous detonators in plain sight. The cabin and runway were placed under observation by a Marine Corps team which was then in the park on a counter-narcotics operation. A search warrant was secured and was served on December 12th by Joshua Tree rangers, a hazardous devices team, and a special investigations team from the Riverside County sheriff's office. Along with the tracer ammunition and dynamite, the teams located 50 yards of detonating cord, over 200 fuse and electrical detonators, two rolls of detonation wire, exploding targets, and 2,000 rounds of other types of ammunition. Numerous objects outside the cabin had been blown up; large craters were produced at the detonation points. Many pipe bombs had been detonated in the area, and a large number of galvanized pipes with pipe caps were found in a storage shed. The teams also found thousands of rounds of expended AK47, 5.56 mm and 9 mm brass around the site. The explosives were detonated at the scene. The investigation continues. (Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe report from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 12/28).
On the morning of the 18th, rangers patrolling in the Coxcomb Addition discovered an area which showed evidence of explosives and automatic weapon fire, including craters, many shell casings, and bullet impacts marks on boulders. The park sought assistance from military explosives specialists, who were to have surveyed and stabilized the area yesterday. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 2/19]
On February 20th, members of the San Bernadino sheriff's office explosives team checked the area at Coxcomb Addition for unexpended ordnance and explosives. They collected and destroyed over one hundred pounds of ammonia nitrate, a number of cardboard tubes filled with smokeless powder, several undetonated pipe bombs (some covered with nails held down by duct tape), and over 1,000 rounds of .223 caliber, 7.62 caliber and 39 millimeter ammunition. The resulting crater measured twelve feet across and five feet deep. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 2/21]
Eight SAR personnel from the park joined a massive search for a three and a half year old boy in the Santa Rosa Mountains outside the park's boundaries yesterday. Over 250 personnel and a number of aircraft are involved in the search, which began when the boy was reported missing on March 10th. No positive results have been reported to date. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 3/12]
On the evening of April 20th, a drunk driver went through a stop sign at 50 mph and collided with a patrol vehicle driven by park ranger Nina Burnell. The driver kept on going and soon hit another car head-on. He then attempted to flee on foot, but was caught and arrested for felony drunk driving. His blood alcohol registered .26. The driver was also found to be driving on a revoked license and without auto insurance. Investigation revealed that his license had been suspended for another felony drunk driving incident. Burnell sustained an ankle sprain in the accident; her partner, ranger Jeff Rickerell, suffered a wrist sprain. All vehicles were total losses. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/22]
Charges have been filed on three juveniles for possession of weapons an automatic machine gun, a rifle with a silencer attached, and a homemade .22 caliber pistol with a silencer attached while in the park. Names are being withheld due to their ages. No further information is currently available. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/22]
Nine drug arrests were made in the park over the past weekend as a result of an undercover drug operation. This brings the total drug-related arrests for the year to 68. The park is also investigating a threat made on a park ranger's life in conjunction with the arrests. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/22]
On April 20th, the park received a phone call from a 911 operator in Wisconsin who said she'd received a report from a CB operator in that state who said that he'd picked up a call for help from a motorcyclist in Burdoo Canyon who had had a motor vehicle accident and had suffered a broken leg. Rangers flew to the canyon in a California Highway Patrol helicopter, found the victim, and evacuated him to a local hospital. The motorcyclist had made his call over a one-watt portable radio. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/22]
On Sunday, April 30th, visitors to the park told patrol rangers that they had been shot at by several individuals in camouflage clothing near the park's boundary. The rangers contacted local sheriff's office deputies and California Highway Patrol officers and asked for assistance. A CHP helicopter located the suspects after a brief search. When found, the suspects stuck their bayonetted rifles into the sand and raised their hands. Investigation revealed that they had been conducting survival training just outside the park and that they had not intended to shoot at or near any persons. The guns in their possession were AK-47 and SKS rifles; since they were not functioning on fully automatic, they were deemed legal and no arrests were made. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/30]
An alarm company monitoring the visitor center's intrusion system reported a burglary at 9:00 p.m. on the evening of April 30th. Rangers discovered that entry had been made by smashing a side window with a large rock, and that two VCR's with a valuation of $700 had been stolen. They followed tracks from the center and found the VCR's and a bicycle. A minor suspect has been identified, but no arrest has yet been made. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/6]
On May 22nd, a team from Joint Task Force Six, the military drug interdiction group which works along the U.S. border, discovered a marijuana plantation in the Fan Hill area near the park's south boundary, a region notorious for illegal chemical laboratories in the past. Riverside sheriff's deputies and U.S. Customs officers subsequently raided the plantation and confiscated 3,356 plants valued at $6.7 million and arrested one adult male. Most of the mature plants were ten feet high. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe report from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/22]
Rangers Mike Grayson and Nina Burnell, responding to a report of disorderly conduct in the Indian Cove campground around midnight on May 24th, discovered a man near the top of a 60-foot outcropping, screaming that he loved sex, drugs and LSD, that he was Jesus Christ, and that he was on fire. While Burnell kept the suspect under observation, Grayson climbed the backside of the rock outcropping in darkness, grabbed the suspect from behind, and pulled him off the top part of the rock and onto a small ledge. The man, however, was at the same time able to push Grayson down to a ledge five feet below. Although Grayson suffered a severely sprained ankle in the fall and was in great pain, he was able to crawl back up to the man and subdue and handcuff him. Burnell and other backup rangers assisted in evacuating both men. Grayson was taken to a hospital and treated for a severely sprained ankle; the man was arrested and charged with being under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct, and assault on a federal officer. Over the course of the Memorial Day weekend, rangers made 11 drug arrests, bringing the total number of such arrests for the year to 93. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/28]
Around 8:00 p.m. on May 26th, rangers received a report that a visitor had fallen into a vertical mine shaft in the Cold Park area of Joshua Tree. The mine, which is on BLM land adjacent to the park, was located an hour later, and park rescue personnel assisted the Barstow mine rescue team in locating the victim 200 feet below the surface. The victim apparently died upon impact. Toxic smoke and fumes from a fire started by companions of the victim in an adjacent mine shaft hampered rescue efforts until contained by park and BLM fire crews the following morning. Riverside County is conducting an investigation of the incident. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/28]
At 2:00 p.m. on November 23rd, a park visitor reported that A.J., 13, of Santa Fe Springs, California, had fallen and injured her leg while rock scrambling in Sneak Eye Canyon southwest of Indian Cove campground. Rangers responded and began a difficult and dangerous rescue in the canyon, which cuts through the most rugged and inaccessible area of the park. Ranger Karl Pearson reached A.J. at 2:45 p.m.; after completing a medical assessment and evaluating the difficulties that the terrain would impose for a rescue team, Pearson called for a California Highway Patrol helicopter to evacuate her. While Pearson provided medical support, rangers Swain, Patterson, Burnell, Baker, Bertrand and Johnson hoisted the litter and victim to a slender rock pinnacle where the hovering helicopter conducted a one-skid pickup. A.J. was flown to the trauma center at Desert Hospital in Palm Springs for treatment. The entire operation was concluded within one hour. [Art Webster, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 12/2]
On September 7th, rangers discovered that J.E., 49, and S.H., 46, both of San Pedro, California, had caught five species of reptiles in the park and were transporting them elsewhere. On December 3rd, the two men pled guilty in federal court to one count each of violations of the Lacey Act. They were each fined $7,500 and their collecting equipment was forfeited to the government. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 12/5]
During the first six weeks of FY '92, rangers made 34 drug-related arrests through undercover operations and special patrols. The arrests were for possession of controlled substances, including marijuana and LSD , and for possession of drug paraphernalia. No further details are available. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe messsage from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 12/5]
M.M., a Marine from Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, was sentenced on February 3rd following a successful prosecution for arson committed in the park last July. During that incident, two people almost lost their lives. They were stranded on a ledge and eventually rescued by park personnel. M.M. was sentenced to three years probation and 200 hours of community service, and was fined $10,750 in restitution costs to the Service. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 2/3]
During the last week of February, the following incidents occurred in the Indian Cove campground: - Four persons were arrested and charged with burning six picnic tables.
- Two persons were arrested and charged with collecting 66 cactus plants. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 3/2]
Two unidentified males in a red Ford Escort shot at a woman in a vehicle in the park's Lost Horse area on April 4th. The bullet, which came from a small caliber handgun, did not hit her, but instead struck the vehicle's left outside mirror and ricocheted into the door. A search for the assailants was conducted, but was not successful. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/7]
Eight drug arrests were made in the park over the past weekend. Three individuals required medical attention after taking what they thought were peyote buttons. They were in error, however, and the unidentified substance that they took knocked them unconscious immediately after ingestion. One individual fell on his face on a fire grate; he fractured his nose and lost five teeth. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/7]
The 6.1 earthquake which occurred on the Covington Flat Fault near Desert Hot Springs on Wednesday night caused significant structural damage to park facilities. Panels and heating ducts collapsed at the Black Rock Visitor Center, and varying amounts of damage were reported to park housing, the park's water tank, and the fire center. All fire equipment was successfully moved from the latter facility, however. At park headquarters, items were knocked from shelves, but no structural damage has yet been detected. One entrance station has been closed, but fees are still being collected at other stations. The dams in the park have been checked and show no visible damage. Visitors in campgrounds were contacted and warned about the potential dangers of rockfalls. Although no injuries were reported in the park, six persons from outside Joshua Tree were admitted to the High Desert Hospital with ailments ranging from heart attacks to broken legs. A number of seismologists are in the park. At the time of the report, aftershocks were occurring on a regular basis, some of them quite strong. Seismologists speculate that the shocks on the Covington Flat Fault may create additional pressure on the San Andreas Fault and cause a major earthquake within the next few days. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via telefax from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 4/23]
Over the past week, the park has experienced more than 3,000 earthquakes registering over 3.0 on the Richter scale; of these, 300 were over 4.0 No damage was reported. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via cc:Mail message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/6]
The remains of an Air Force F4D Phantom jet fighter were found near Geology Tour Road close to Jumbo Rocks campground on May 11th. Some bone fragments were found within the wreckage, which has apparently been there for at least 15 years. Air Force personnel, who have no records of a flight lost over Joshua Tree, have responded and are conducting an investigation. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, via cc:Mail message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/15]
An Air Force investigative team has determined that the wreckage at Joshua Tree is a very old, Navy-owned single-seat F4 Phantom. The Navy has been contacted, but has no record of a plane lost near the park. Other bones were found and have been sent to a forensic anthropologist in the San Bernadino sheriff's office. [cc:Mail message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/19]
The epicenters of the major earthquakes which shook the California desert Sunday morning were very close to the park. Rangers from the park who were participating in the search for D.H. at the Grand Canyon were summoned home, but no report has yet been received from the park. Repeated but fruitless efforts were made to contact the park yesterday. All phone lines are apparently down, and power is out throughout the area. A report on the park's situation will be issued as soon as contact is made. [Phil Ward, RCR, RAD/WRO, 6/28]
The 7.4 earthquake and 6.5 aftershocks which occurred on June 28th and the numerous aftershocks (averaging about one every ten minutes) inflicted limited damage on park facilities. The Black Rock Visitor Center had some structural damage and has been closed. Other buildings in the Black Rock area received minor damage, but nothing significant enough to limit their use. Some employees living outside the park reported major damage to their residences. Buildings in the Yucca Valley - Morongo Basin area continue to fall, the communities of Yucca Valley and Landers have no water, over 100 people are in shelters, and there have been three deaths and 350 injuries. The quake covered a 45-mile area with an 18-foot displacement. By comparison, the 1906 quake in San Francisco caused only a 15-foot displacement. This is the largest displacement in the past 100 years and the largest quake in the past 40 years. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, 6/29]
Climbers J.J. and D.G. were on a difficult route called Bridge of Sighs on Ghost Town Wall in Indian Cove on February 5th when D.G., who was leading, lost his hold and fell. J.J. was belaying and braced to hold the fall, but all of D.G.'s protection had pulled out, causing him to fall on J.J.'s leg. J.J. suffered an open fracture to his lower leg; D.G.'s head was lacerated. D.G. was able to scramble back to the road, where he contacted Marines from the Corps' Mountain Warfare Division, who were involved in a rock climbing exercise in the area. Rangers and Marines initiated rescue efforts shortly thereafter. Because of the rugged terrain, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter was called in to assist. A 200-foot tyrolean traverse was set up to move J.J. to a location where the helicopter could effect a one-skid hover and pick him up. According to the park, the superior flying by the CHP crew and the joint effort by Marines and rangers were critical in the successful completion of a very technical and difficult rescue. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, 2/9]
On the night of February 11th, an 18-year-old male Outward Bound instructor appeared at the hospital in 29 Palms and reported that he'd been kidnapped and sexually assaulted. The victim had become separated from his group and was picked up in Pinto Basin by a man driving a blue sedan. The window and door knobs had been removed from the passenger side of the car, making escape impossible. After the assault, the victim was able to escape into the desert. A BOL has been issued for all mainland Western region areas: The suspect is a white male adult, 35 to 40 years old, about 6 feet tall, weighing between 210 and 220 pounds, and may be a weight lifter. He has light colored eyes, short blond hair, a full beard and mustache, and fresh cuts on his hands and knuckles, but has no known marks or tattoos. He was wearing a dirty T-shirt, dark nylon shorts, and rubber flip-flops. The assailant is apparently living out of his vehicle, a dirty blue, older American four-door sedan with Arizona plates (white letters on red background). The vehicle has no apparent body damage, but the door and window handles on the passenger side are missing and half of the back seat is charred. There was trash on the dash board and in the back seat and a good deal of rock climbing equipment in the car. The vehicle was last seen southbound on a park road in Joshua Tree. The FBI is assisting in the investigation of the incident. Anyone with information on the incident, should contact Paul Henry at 619-367-3523. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, 2/16]
A massive search for D.B., 18, a VIP working in the park, was begun on the afternoon of February 13th when D.B. failed to return from a two-mile hike. Two helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft, six CARDA dog units, and 40 county and park personnel were involved in the search. Late the following afternoon, D.B. was found in reasonably good condition about 17 miles from his destination. D.B., who was wearing only light clothing and carried no survival gear, became lost while hiking and had to weather a night in which temperatures dropped into the low 20s. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, 2/16]
T.L., 20, of Riverside, California, fell while rock scrambling near Sheeps Pass campground just before noon on February 21st and sustained injuries to his face, jaw, teeth, and one knee. The injury to his knee prevented him from climbing down the scree slope. Rangers and SAR volunteers responded and lowered him 100 feet by litter over the scree slope. Park medics treated him on scene, and he was then transported to a hospital by CHP helicopter. [Dispatch, JOTR, 2/23]
On February 21st, W.D., 45, of Huntington Beach, California, dislocated his right knee while scrambling in the Indian Cove area. W.D. was with a Sierra Club group practicing scrambling and navigational skills about a mile up a steep, rocky canyon from the Indian Cove campground. Rangers responded, splinted W.D.'s leg, and placed him on a backboard. Because of the rocky terrain and steep slopes, a San Bernadino sheriff's office helicopter was summoned to assist in the extrication. As the helicopter hovered next to a rock, rangers moved W.D. over the rocks and onto the ship. He was transferred to the park ambulance, then taken for medical treatment. [Dispatch, JOTR, 2/23]
A group from a treatment center for physically and emotionally abused children from Garden Grove, California, was staying in the Indian Cove campground on February 28th when two girls from the group decided to go off by themselves to scramble on some of the nearby rocks. One girl felt it was too difficult for her and returned to the camp. When the other girl, 17- year-old R.M., failed to return, the group's supervisor began a search for her and found her body at the base of the rocks. She apparently fell backward from the rocks, plunged 50 to 60 feet, and struck the back of her head when she hit the ground. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, 3/1]
On March 12th, D.K., 20, of San Juan Capistrano, California, was climbing above his last piece of protection on the Coyote in the Bushes route at Indian Cove when he fell approximately 35 feet and struck a ledge with his head and shoulders. D.K. suffered a severe head injury and came to rest just below the ledge and about 20 feet above the ground. Rangers, assisted by several Outward Bound instructors and a physician, stabilized D.K. and lowered him to the ground, where paramedics from the park and from 29 Palms provided advanced life support. D.K. was flown to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs by a San Bernadino County helicopter. He was pronounced dead on arrival. [CRO, JOTR, 3/15]
Just before noon on April 3rd, D.C., 31, was climbing with a group in the park when he fell and sustained a fatal injury. D.C. was placing a cam in a crevice to secure himself while climbing a rock face when he slipped and fell about 15 feet. This fall pulled the cam out, causing D.C. to fall even further and strike his head. Members of his party were able to evacuate D.C. and transport him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. [Kipp Knapp, JOTR, 4/5]
Rangers received a report of a climbing accident near the Hidden Valley picnic area early on the afternoon of April 8th. Ranger Johnson responded and found T.R. supine, unconscious and bleeding from serious head and leg injuries on a ledge about 30 feet above the ground. Two local climbers were trying to maintain an airway. Johnson inserted an oral airway, administered high-flow oxygen, controlled T.R.'s bleeding, and packaged him for evacuation. Rangers Patterson and Burnell assisted Johnson in rigging a lowering system, then served as attendants in the evacuation process. Patient care was taken over by Joshua Tree Ambulance paramedics once the lowering was completed, and T.R. was evacuated by helicopter to a local trauma center shortly thereafter. Witnesses state that T.R. had been scrambling on the rocks at the picnic area, that he had climbed to a high point on the west end of Turtle Rock, and that he fell 30 to 40 feet from the rock, bouncing off several ledges before finally coming to rest on the ledge where Johnson found him. [JOTR, 4/12]
On May 2nd, rangers began a search for M.O., 46, a Chrysler Corporation executive from Mission Viejo, California, who was reported missing in the area. M.O. had left a note saying that he was going to take a short day hike at "Cottonwood" and that he expected to be back that evening. The search was complicated by the fact that the desert is filled with places named "Cottonwood". M.O.'s vehicle was eventually found in the park, and a hasty search of the area was conducted. When that proved fruitless, a full-scale, park-coordinated search was begun which involved the Riverside and San Bernadino county sheriffs' offices, CARDA dog teams, California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopters, and various SAR organizations. Over 100 people were committed to the effort. M.O.'s body was found at 6 p.m. on May 3rd. He had left the trail and gotten into difficult terrain, and apparently died from heart failure stemming from his physical condition, high temperatures (around 105 degrees) and lack of water. [Paul Henry, CR, JOTR, 5/3]
On December 13, 1992, R.L. was arrested after he sold marijuana to an undercover ranger. A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of a large quantity of marijuana and paraphernalia. He was charged with selling marijuana and felony possession of marijuana. On May 12th, R.L. appeared before Morongo Basin municipal court in Joshua Tree for sentencing. As part of a plea bargain, he pled guilty to the charge of selling marijuana and was sentenced to 90 days in the county jail followed by three years' probation. [CRO, JOTR, 5/13]
On May 28th, a ranger responded to Jumbo Rocks campground to investigate a disturbance complaint. Upon arrival, the ranger was contacted by several campers who were leaving the campground due to the disturbance. The ranger found four highly-intoxicated Marines with a full keg of beer screaming profanities. The foursome were told to leave the park after a designated driver was located. None were cited or arrested as a sign of good faith toward the neighboring Marine base. The next day, the four men returned to the campground and proceeded to harass and terrorize campers there. Two rangers contacted them after complaints were filed at the entrance station and visitor center, and all four were issued citations for disorderly conduct (two counts) and minor possession of alcohol. One of the four, E.R., was also cited for interfering with agency functions when he refused to produce identification or cooperate with rangers. When the defendants failed to appear at magistrate's court on June 7th, warrants were issued for their arrest. Three were arrested and tried the next day. Each was fined $600. E.R. was not present at the trial on June 8th, though, as he was AWOL from the Marine base. He was apprehended on June 10th, fined a total of $850 by the magistrate, then turned over to Marine Corps authorities after the trial. Disciplinary action from the Marine Corps is expected for three of the suspects; E.R. will likely be court-martialed. [CRO, JOTR, 6/14]
At about 2 a.m. on August 28th, a Marine stationed at 29 Palms opened fire on three other Marines with a 12-gauge riot shotgun following an altercation at a local bar. County deputies responded and tracked the fleeing suspect into the park. A full-scale search by rangers, deputies and officers from the Naval Investigative Service was initiated at dawn; a Marine Corps helicopter was also brought in. Utilizing their knowledge of the local terrain, rangers enlarged the search area around mid-morning. The suspect was spotted by the helicopter crew shortly afterwards and was taken into custody. [Dispatch, JOTR, 8/28]
P.P., 40, of San Marino, California, fell while attempting to climb Specter Peak in the northeast corner of the park on August 21st and suffered a broken right arm. A member of the Sierra Club group she was with called for assistance on ham radio and was able to reach a ham operator in Arizona. The operator then contacted the park. Park and BLM rangers, SAR volunteers, a CHP officer and a Forest Service helicopter responded. NPS rangers were able to reach R.P. through a hover landing on a rocky saddle. She was treated and evacuated. [Tom Patterson, JOTR, 8/25]
C.C., 33, was heading northbound on Route 12 near Pinto Wye just before midnight on October 22nd when he lost control of his motorcycle. Although C.C. was able to stay on the bike, his passenger, B.E., 44, fell off and was killed. C.C. was arrested for driving under the influence; additional charges may be filed against him. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR, 10/26]
On the evening of November 6th, S.O., 18, and A.K., 22, were killed and two others were seriously injured in a one car rollover accident a mile south of the Cottonwood visitor center. An investigation into the accident is underway. [Todd Swain, JOTR, 11/10]
On December 16th and 17th, NPS and BLM rangers concluded a five-month undercover investigation into the theft of artifacts from public lands with the arrest of two individuals. During the investigation, numerous artifacts reportedly stolen from NPS and Forest Service lands were purchased by the undercover officer. The primary suspect in the investigation, who has purportedly been collecting artifacts in California and Arizona for over ten years, was also observed - and videotaped - collecting artifacts and defacing archeological sites. He was arrested and charged through Riverside County with grand theft, receiving and selling stolen property, defacing archeological sites, and destroying archeological features in caves. His residence in Desert Hot Springs, California, was searched, and officers found records there documenting 58 different addresses he has used since 1983. A residence in Joshua Tree, California, was also searched, and an olla (a widemouth earthenware pot), a metate (grinding stone), and two manos (hand grinding stones) were recovered. The olla had been removed from Joshua Tree NM; the metate and manos were taken from BLM's East Mojave NSA. One suspect at this residence has been interviewed, and additional charges may be filed through San Bernadino County. On the 17th, an undercover "sting" operation was conducted on a gallery in Palm Springs, California, which had previously been implicated in buying and selling artifacts from public lands. The undercover officer in this operation sold a Cahuilla basket, a Mogollon bowl and two stone tools to the gallery after telling the owners verbally and in writing that the items had been taken from public lands. The owner is being charged with receiving stolen property, a felony under California law. Several other individuals have been implicated by the suspects, and further searches and arrests may be forthcoming. Anyone desiring additional information should contact Todd Swain at Joshua Tree (619-367-3523). [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR, 1/6]
Early on the afternoon of January 16th, M.G., 19, fell about 20 feet and broke his lower right leg while scrambling on a rock wall in the Indian Cove area and became wedged in a two-foot-wide chimney about 30 feet off the ground. Rangers and San Diego mountain rescue team members, who were conducting training in the area, responded and employed technical rescue techniques to remove and evacuate M.G.. M.G. was raised out of the crack, lowered to the bottom, then evacuated by helicopter short haul. M.G. was taken to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, where doctors found he had fractures of both his right tibia and fibula. [Colin Smith, JOTR, 1/20]
R.M. was climbing rocks in Sheep's Pass campground on January 22nd when he pulled off a 70-pound rock flake, fell ten feet, and broke his ankle. The rock flake then fell on R.M.'s back. Rangers and JOSAR volunteers responded and began rescue operations. R.M. was splintered and bandaged, placed in a litter, lowered via high angle rope techniques, then carried down a 200-foot boulder field to the ground. He was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Palm Springs. Doctors found no other serious injuries. [Colin Smith, JOTR, 1/31]
On January 28th, rangers discovered that the grave of prominent miner/pioneer Johnny Lang at Key's View had been excavated and ransacked. A hole five feet wide by four long by two deep was found in the grave; bones, presumably those of Lang, were found strewn around the hole. A local BLM archeologist was called in and the spoils pile and hole were excavated. More remains and clothing pieces were found and collected. These will be taken to a forensic anthropologist for identification. At this time, it appears that only the skull and some dirt were taken from the grave. Local media representatives were brought to the site during the archeological excavation in an attempt to gather information about the theft from the public. The investigation is continuing. Lang died in 1925 and was buried at Key's View near Bill Keys, another prominent pioneer. [Todd Swain, JOTR, 2/1]
While returning from an interagency meeting on February 15th, backcountry ranger Tom Gavin responded to an "all units" request for assistance in a carjacking incident in which shots had been fired. Cathedral City and California Highway Patrol officers had been engaged in an extended, high- speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle which had ended when the vehicle was abandoned in a roadless area of BLM brushland just south of the park boundary. The vehicle's three occupants then fled on foot. Gavin and BLM officers in four-wheel-drive vehicles continued the search for the suspects and were supported by an infrared-equipped CHP helicopter and a Riverside sheriff's office canine unit. All three suspects were tracked for almost two miles into the desert, but no signs of the trio were found thereafter. The operations was concluded with the recovery of the vehicle and a handgun. An investigation continues. [Tom Gavin, JOTR, 2/15]
Following leads developed in last December's archeological theft case, park investigators traveled to Quartzite, Arizona, and contacted several individuals who had artifacts for sale. One of these individuals offered to sell a Tonto polychrome bowl that supposedly came from the Tonto NF in Arizona. This information was shared with agents from the Forest Service, BLM, and Southwest Region's ARPA task force. On March 18th, a search warrant was served at the suspect's residence in Scottsdale, Arizona, by BLM, Forest Service, NPS and Customs agents. Twenty prehistoric vessels were seized, including the Tonto bowl and two others that BLM agents were able to purchase just prior to warrant service. A large number of papers were also seized which documented artifact transactions totaling over $100,000. Based on the information obtained on the 18th, another warrant was served by the team at a residence in Apache Junction, Arizona, the following day. Over 500 prehistoric vessels were found, as well as more papers documenting major transactions and international trade in artifacts. The collection is estimated be worth more than $1,000,000. The investigation continues. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR, 3/21]
On November 12th, a ten-month-long wildlife poaching case culminated in the filing of charges against two people for poaching in the park. The investigation, which was conducted jointly by rangers from Joshua Tree and Channel Islands and BLM, state and county officers, centered on an individual who was leasing a parcel of land within the park. Last February, members of the park's staff discovered that the lease holder had constructed a hunting blind and a cement watering basin on the property in violation of the lease and that he was actively hunting in the area. Informants told investigators that the lease holder had killed numerous animals, including deer, bobcats and owls. Surveillance was begun, and officers were able to photograph two individuals hunting from the blind over a salt lick next to the watering hole. On November 12th, search warrants were obtained and executed for three houses. Numerous items of evidence were seized from two of them, which led to the filing of state charges against two individuals and administrative action against the lease holder for violation of his lease agreement. Names are being withheld until charges are filed. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR, 11/14]
Over a three-day period last week, park investigators, with the assistance of local deputies, state highway patrol officers, and BLM rangers, served search warrants pertaining to archeological thefts and wildlife violations at locations in Yucca Valley and Johnson Valley, California. They seized two carloads of artifacts believed to have come from NPS, BLM and Forest Service lands. Included in the collection were two large, intact ollas; three baskets containing an estimated 2,000 pottery sherds; over 60 prehistoric knife blades and scrapers; two dozen manos and metates; and boxes of other artifacts. One of the suspects has admitted to taking artifacts from Channel Islands, Lake Mead and BLM and Forest Service areas. Also seized were wildlife trophies which represented violations of the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Many other leads were uncovered and are currently being pursued. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR, 1/18]
Ranger Jeff Ohlfs stopped R.G., 21, and L.H., 21, for a minor traffic violation at Cholla Cactus Garden on January 13th. An NCIC check revealed that the vehicle had been taken in a carjacking in Twentynine Palms early that morning (the first in the city's history) and that the subjects were considered armed and dangerous. Ohlfs and ranger Colin Smith arrested the pair without incident. A search of the vehicle lead to the discovery of a firearm and cash in a nylon stocking. R.G. and L.H. were turned over to the San Bernadino sheriff's department, where they are being held on $1,000,000 bail each. [CRO, JOTR, 1/30]
On January 24th, rangers Jeff Ohlfs and Colin Smith were on a field trip to a Cahuilla Indian village site as part of an ARPA training course when they and the other 41 state and federal officers on the trip came upon two men illegally collecting pot sherds from the ancient village, which is on private land. Since the two rangers possessed state peace officer authority, they held the suspects - S.I., 37, and B.M., 44, both of La Quinta - and coordinated the investigation until the on-duty BLM ranger could arrive. The two men were charged in California court for ARPA violations and possession of a concealed handgun. [CRO, JOTR, 1/31]
John Brunkhart, 63, a long-time fee collection ranger at the park, died at his residence near Joshua Tree on the night of March 6th. He had been working a shift at the park's West Entrance Station when he began feeling ill and left early for home. John had a history of heart problems and had recently undergone heart surgery. A memorial service will be held at the park. [Judy Bartzatt, JOTR, 3/7]
Park employee G.H., 24, who is seven months pregnant, was sitting on a low wall outside the park's visitor center on the afternoon of May 9th when visitor R.S.-L., 65, a Swiss national, attempted to park in a space directly in front of G.H.. R.S.-L. accelerated her rental vehicle as she pulled in; the car jumped the curb and struck G.H.'s legs. G.H. was taken by helicopter to Palm Springs, where she was treated for fractures and lacerations. She was admitted to the hospital so that an ultrasound could be conducted. At last report, G.H. was in stable condition. No complications to the pregnancy are expected. [Judy Bartzatt, JOTR, 5/10]
Around 8:30 p.m. on May 5th, rangers were advised that five-year-old K.L. had walked away from Black Rock Canyon campground. A search was conducted of the immediate area, but proved fruitless. Interagency teams were placed on the Hi-View nature trail, where the child's tracks were found, and searchers found him on the trail at 11:30 p.m. He was cold but otherwise okay. High winds and low temperatures contributed to the critical nature of the search. [CRO, JOTR, 5/10]
On November 12, 1994, a ten-month-long wildlife poaching case culminated in the filing of charges against two people for poaching in the park. Last week, T.E., one of the two defendants, pled guilty to two state misdemeanor charges and was ordered to pay a $600 fine, required to remove the bait and watering basins from his properties, and placed on three years' probation. The state will probably revoke his hunting privileges for two years. The case began in February, 1994, when park investigators discovered a hunting blind, bait and artificial watering hole on T.E.'s inholding. As a result of the investigation, T.E. sold his inholding and no longer owns any land within the park. [CRO, JOTR]
Park investigators and Forest Service agents served a search warrant on August 16th at the local residence of a former park temporary firefighter who was serving at the time on a local Forest Service fire crew. They recovered nearly $3,000 worth of stolen Forest Service fire equipment and four Best brand keys stamped "US Government." Further investigation revealed that the keys provided access to most of the buildings at Lake Mead NRA. The investigation is continuing. Grand theft charges will likely be filed against the firefighter. [CRO, JOTR]
During the week of October 15th, park staff were informed that a rape had occurred at Indian Cove campground the previous week. A park investigator, working with local sheriff's office detectives and Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents, located the 15-year-old victim and several witnesses and identified and interviewed suspects. A Marine was subsequently arrested and charged with the rape under state law. When the victim declined to testify, the suspect accepted a plea bargain and plead guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was fined $100, sentenced to 60 days in jail, and ordered to register as a convicted sex offender. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR]
W.D., 13, of Beaumont, California, was scrambling on AFPA rock without safety equipment on November 10th when he free fell about eight feet, tumbled another 20 feet, and ended up on a ledge with a possible fractured left ankle and other abrasions. Rangers treated his injuries, then performed a 50-foot belayed scree evacuation and carried him to a waiting ambulance. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
A local ham operator contacted park dispatch in the early hours of November 11th to advise that he'd received a report of an injured individual on Boy Scout trail near Keys Peek. Rangers found that J.M., 13, had been rock scrambling the previous evening and had slipped and slid down the rock face, landing on his left shin. He was evacuated and taken to a local hospital. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
A park maintenance worker came upon D.G., 31, near Fried Liver Wash on the morning of November 9th. D.G. was incoherent, mostly naked, covered with cactus spines, and suffering from severe dehydration. Although he didn't know what day or month it was, D.G. was adamant in his conviction that he was being pursued by various law enforcement agencies who were trying to kill him at his wife's request. He was taken to a local hospital, where he spent three days being treated for dehydration and exposure. Rangers determined that D.G. had left his home in Twenty-Nine Palms four days before he was found, and that his wife had reported him missing and suicidal on the 8th. His vehicle was found later on the 9th about 15 air miles away in another portion of the park. Cooler fall temperatures contributed to D.G.'s survival. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
In January, 1995, park investigators, with the assistance of local deputies, state highway patrol officers, and BLM rangers, served three search warrants for archeological thefts and wildlife violations and seized two carloads of artifacts. Included in the collection were two large, intact ollas; three baskets containing an estimated 2,000 pottery sherds; over 60 prehistoric knife blades and scrapers; two dozen manos and metates; and boxes of other artifacts. Investigation revealed that E.P. and R.A., both of Yucca Valley, California, had collected the artifacts from a variety of locations, including national parks and forests and BLM lands. A total of eight misdemeanor charges were filed against the pair in state court late last year. R.A. and E.P. agreed to a plea bargain agreement shortly thereafter, then failed to show up for sentencing. Warrants were issued and served last month. The two were found guilty of two misdemeanors each, placed on probation for three years, ordered to pay restitution, and jailed for a day. Many of the recovered artifacts will be placed on display at a new BLM visitor center in the Santa Rosa Mountains near Palm Springs. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR]
In early May, a park employee used her government VISA card to make several authorized purchases at local stores. The June billing statement, however, also showed several fraudulent charges. Government credit card fraud investigators were notified, but declined to pursue the case because the fraudulent purchases had been made by phone. An in-park investigation was accordingly conducted; two search warrants were subsequently executed and crucial evidence was seized, including the employee's credit card number, computer programs, and packaging from the programs with the employee's name on it. The suspect, R.B., was located and interviewed later that evening and confessed to taking the two credit card numbers while he was employed as a cashier at the local WalMart. R.B. was arrested and charged with six felony counts of access card theft through the state court system. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR]
Between October 4th and 6th, rangers, Fish and Wildlife Service special agents, BLM rangers and state wardens conducted patrols of the park and BLM lands via ground and air in an effort to uncover any instances of reptile poaching. On the evening of October 5th, S.C. and J.G. were contacted for erratic driving. Subsequent investigation led to charges being filed against S.C. by ranger Jeff Ohlfs for illegally taking a reptile and for Lacey Act violations. S.C. is a four-time convicted wildlife poacher in California, and it was later learned that he was also wanted on two felony wildlife charges in Arizona. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
A month-long investigation of mule deer poaching and water hole baiting in Joshua Tree by the rangers and state and local officers culminated on October 25th in searches of three residences and a business. Evidence seized included blood, hair and meat samples, weapons, photographs, and materials used to construct and bait the watering hole. Most of the evidence will be processed through the Fish and Wildlife Service's crime lab in Ashland, Oregon. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR]
On November 4th, rangers received a report of a climbing fall near the Echo Rock area. M.K., 24, of Telluride, Colorado, was lead climbing when he lost his grip; his protection failed, and he fell about 35 feet, coming to rest at the base of the rock wall. He was treated for a possible fractured wrist and abrasions, then brought to the ground via a 100-foot belayed scree evacuation and taken to a waiting helicopter that flew him to a hospital in Palm Springs. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
A.S., 22, of Pomona, California, was set to rappel back to the ground following a climb of the Spiderman route when his webbing unraveled from his carabinier and he fell 80 to 100 feet, landing in a crevice at the base of the rock wall. He was treated for possible neck, back, leg and abdominal injuries, then raised to the top of the rock wall and flown to a hospital in Palm Springs. As of last week, he was in stable in condition and improving. A.S. has so far undergone surgery twice, once each for his ankle and back injuries. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
On November 25th, rangers received a report that a visitor had fallen in the boulder field between Willow Hole and Oh-Bye-Yo-Yo cutoff in the Wonderland of Rocks. A.M., 27, of Indio, California, was rock hopping when he broke his ankle while landing on a rock, then tumbled another 20 feet. Rangers treated him for an open fracture, got him on a litter, then began the slow, hand-to-hand carryout through the boulder field. He was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Palm Springs for treatment. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
P.A., 26, fell 35 feet and landed on a small ledge on a rock formation called "The Blob" while climbing in Hidden Valley on November 24th. Rangers climbed to his location and performed a 100-foot technical lowering, then transported him to a hospital. P.A. was being top-roped on a climb of "The Blob" when a miscommunication with his belayer led to an excess of slack in the rope. The belayer was unable to stop the fall, so P.A. fell the entire distance to the ledge. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR]
W.T., 40, was leading a bolted route on Turtle Rock on November 30th when he fell about 20 feet, striking a small ledge en route and fracturing his left ankle. He was lowered to the ground by his son, who was belaying him. Rangers and paramedics treated him and carried him to an ambulance for transport to a hospital. [Scott Stevens, Acting CR, JOTR]
On the afternoon of December 5th, K.M., 25, was descending from a climb of the Banana Cracks Formation in the Lost Horse Valley area when she misjudged the distance between steps and fell about 15 feet to the base of the formation. K.M. landed on her back and hands, causing a possible fracture and other injuries. Rangers and paramedics treated her and lowered her 50 feet to a waiting ambulance for transport to a hospital in Palm Springs. [Keith Kelly, Acting CR, JOTR]
During President's Day weekend, rangers were involved in four rescues. Two climbers and a hiker suffered broken ankles when they fell from rocks in the Hidden Valley and Indian Cove areas. Each was flown to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs. A fourth visitor suffered head injuries in a car accident at Cottonwood Canyon and was also flown to the hospital. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 2/23]
On the afternoon of March 24th, the park received a report that a military- style grenade had been found by a visitor near the park's west entrance gate facility. Rangers and a member of the park's SAR team secured the area and evacuated park personnel and visitors from the building and surrounding grounds until the grenade was located and identified. It was found about 50 yards away from facility structures in the open desert. An emergency ordnance disposal team from the nearby Twentynine Palms Marine base removed the grenade. It was found to be an inoperable World War II style fragmentation practice grenade. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 3/24]
On June 14th, enforcement rangers arrested two men - J.S., a Marine stationed at nearby Twentynine Palms Marine Base, and S.E., a civilian from New Hampshire - for suspected car clouts during an undercover surveillance operation at the Lost Horse Mine trailhead. The two men were seen illegally entering several unoccupied vehicles at the trailhead in the early afternoon. They took money from purses and wallets before being stopped and arrested. The two are believed to have committed about 15 other car clouts within the park over the past four months; the total losses and damages in those incidents came to $3,000. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 6/16]
On the evening of Saturday, September 13th, the park received notification that C.W. of Los Angeles had suffered a shoulder injury while scrambling among boulders in a rocky canyon near Indian Cove campground. A rescue team of about 20 people, including park and county sheriff's office employees and members of a local SAR team, began a search for C.W. among steep rocky cliffs and a maze of boulders. The search was hindered by darkness, rough terrain and high heat and was halted at 3:30 a.m. The search was resumed with the assistance of a county helicopter the following morning, and C.W. and companion John Kim were found and evacuated. C.W. was taken to a hospital in Joshua Tree. [Cynthia Von Halle, PIO, JOTR, 9/16]
On October 25th, two hikers reported finding a buried case along a tour road in the center of the park. Rangers found that it contained the remains of an unidentified woman. The victim had been placed in the case and buried behind a rock formation. The Riverside county sheriff's office is conducting the investigation. No further information is currently available. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 10/30]
A month-long investigation into mule deer poaching and water hole baiting in the park by rangers and state and local officers in October, 1996, culminated in the identification of two local residents as suspects and the searches of three residences and a business. One of the suspect's credit card records were also checked. Evidence seized in the searches included shell casings, meat, hair, tire tracks, weapons, photographs, and materials used to construct and bait the watering hole. These were processed through the Fish and Wildlife Service's crime lab. The lab's findings led to the filing of eight misdemeanor charges against three individuals. On November 20th, two of the three pled guilty as part of a plea agreement. Each was placed on three years' probation, fined $200, and ordered to pay $300 in restitution to the park. [Todd Swain, CI, JOTR, 11/20]
On December 29th, a 14-year-old girl who was rock climbing with her family fell about 70 feet. A doctor at the site provided initial care until rangers arrived on scene. The girl was treated for possible neck and spinal injuries and prepared for litter transport. A county helicopter transported her to a hospital in Palm Springs, where she was treated and release. [Annie Schweich, JOTR, 12/31]
On October 25, 1997, rangers discovered the body of a woman buried in a golf club case on a park road that is infrequently traveled. Several months of investigation ensued which have revealed what happened to her. In early 1997, the victim, B.H., and her boyfriend, H.B., stole more than $1 million in Austria and fled to the United States. They arrived in the Palm Springs area in October and checked into a hotel. The pair then played several rounds of golf with a local pro. H.B. apparently strangled B.H. sometime thereafter and buried her in the park around October 11th. H.B. then checked into a new hotel in the Palm Springs area and played several more rounds of golf with the pro, telling him that B.H. had been hit by stray golf balls and didn't want to play anymore. In early December, H.B.'s body was found in an overdue rental car near Mesa, Arizona. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound from a shotgun he'd purchased from a friend of the golf pro. None of the stolen money has yet been discovered. [Todd Swain, JOTR, 3/30]
Rangers Tim Bertrand and Kevin Tillman responded to a single vehicle accident on the park's main east-west road near the entrance to the geology tour road at 6:30 a.m. on July 11th. Two children, a six-year-old boy and a 12-year- old girl, were pronounced dead at the scene. The rangers attempted to resuscitate the girl, who became pulseless shortly after their arrival. The driver of the vehicle, who is the father of the children, was airlifted to Desert Hospital; a six-year-old girl was flown to San Bernadino County Hospital, a seven-year-old girl was airlifted to Loma Linda, and a 17-year- old boy was taken by ambulance to Desert Hospital. The three airlifted patients remain in critical condition. Five rangers assisted in the incident along with three air ambulances from Mercy Air, two Morongo Basin ambulances, the fire department from Twenty-Nine Palms, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Forestry. Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Failure to use seatbelts contributed to the severity of the accident. [Pat Suddath, DR, JOTR, 7/11]
On August 14th, M.D., 47, of Clovis, California, suffered multiple fractures to one of his ankles while scrambling in the rocks 250 feet above the Rattlesnake picnic area. Ranger/EMT Kevin Tillman received the initial report, scrambled up the cliff, and provided emergency medical treatment. A multi-agency rescue effort was begun. It took two hours to lower Done via a guiding line type high-line system. The rescue occurred at night; the Twenty-Nine Palms fire department illuminated the rock face with flood lights to facilitate operations. Ranger Jeff Ohlfs was IC. [Pat Suddath, DR, JOTR, 8/18]
Two Belgian visitors arriving at Grand Canyon NP last July each showed a Golden Eagle pass to gain admittance. When advised that they only needed one per vehicle, they reported that they'd been told differently at Joshua Tree NP, where they'd purchased the passes. A month-long investigation by ranger Jeff Ohlfs and criminal investigator Todd Swain revealed that seasonal fee collector C.B. had sold ten Golden Eagle passes without remitting the funds and that she had falsified the associated shift reports. On December 4th, C.B. plead guilty to misdemeanor theft and was sentenced to a year's probation and restitution. The park terminated her in August and had her name removed from a permanent employment cert. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 1/10]
On January 31st, BLM rangers asked Joshua Tree NP rangers for assistance at the scene of a climbing accident on BLM land just south of the park boundary in the Chuckwalla wilderness area. The location was the scene of a "rave" party that went on throughout the weekend. State highway patrol officers, state and county firefighters, local sheriffs and ambulance personnel were on scene, with a helicopter en route, but no technical, high-angle rescue team was either close or available. Rangers Pete Roehrs, David Smith and John Evans responded from the Cottonwood District, located at the southern end of the park. Smith and Evans climbed the pitch to reach the victim, P.M., 8, who had fallen about 25 feet to a ledge about 150 feet off the desert floor. When Evans reached P.M., he found that CPR was being administered, but it was discontinued when paramedics determined that P.M. had died. The three rangers then performed a technical body recovery. The county sheriff's office is investigating. Land management agencies are working cooperatively to gain control of the rave parties which occur regularly on public lands in the California desert. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 1/30]
On the evening of Friday, February 5th, the park received word from the Civil Air Patrol that two 1950's T-28 aircraft might have crashed in the park. A search centering on the Quail Mountain area was begun on Saturday. The wreckage of the two planes was spotted from the air late that morning. Rangers Pat Suddath and John Evans hiked to the scene and determined that neither of the two pilots - sole occupants of their respective aircraft - had survived the accident. Rangers Pete Roehrs and Steve Yu also hiked to the area and provided security through Saturday night. The recovery effort began on Sunday, and entailed cooperation among the NPS, NTSB and Riverside and San Bernadino counties. [Keith Kelly, Acting CR/IC, JOTR, 2/9]
The historic grave of prominent pioneer Johnny Lang was looted in the park in January of 1994. Two mines, a canyon and a valley within the park are named for Lang, who died in 1926. Lang's skull and femurs were taken from the grave in the 1994 theft, but no leads were developed at that time. On February 4th, ranger Kevin Tillman received a tip about the current location of Lang's skull. Two days later, a search warrant was executed by rangers and the park's special agent at a residence in the nearby community of Twenty-Nine Palms. During an interview of the resident, they learned that the skull had been moved to a residence in Yucca Valley, California. A consent search of that residence led to the recovery of the skull. The suspect claims that he bought the skull at a local swap meet, and that it's the skull of a Native American, not Lang. The skull will be examined by forensic anthropologists. Several stone points and government signs were also recovered during the search. [Todd Swain, SA, Pat Suddath, DR, JOTR, 2/12 and 2/17]
On March 7th, rangers conducted two rescues of injured visitors. C.N., 25, fell while scrambling on rocks in a remote area near Indian Cove campground and suffered a complete open dislocation of his left ankle. Rangers stabilized and evacuated him to a helispot, where he was airlifted to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs. Ranger Patrick Suddath was IC. Later on the same day, R.H. fell while rock climbing near the Barker Dam parking area. R.H. landed in a hole between several large boulders and suffered a complete dislocation of his right knee. His position made evacuation very difficult and involved several passes through small openings and over large boulders. R.H.'s injuries required extensive initial treatment, thereby further complicating the extrication. He was taken by ambulance to the same hospital. Ranger Pete Roehrs was IC. [Pat Suddath, DR, JOTR, 3/19]
On April 10th, rangers received a report of a fall in the Rattlesnake Canyon area of Indian Cove. T.L., 27, had fallen over 25 feet while bouldering. Rangers Kevin Tillman and Pete Roehrs responded along with medics from the local ambulance company, hiking in over extremely difficult terrain. They found that T.L. had suffered multiple injuries to his ankles and back. The terrain prevented a helicopter landing and a ground evacuation would have required multiple technical lowerings, so the park called in the San Bernadino County air rescue unit for a long line hoist evacuation. T.L. was successfully evacuated through a raising that was in excess of 500 feet. [Patrick Suddath, IC, JOTR, 4/17]
Rangers and state game wardens served a search warrant on an inholding within the park on May 14th. The action marked the culmination of a year-long investigation into the unpermitted possession of large cats, confirmed by surveillance and a videotape of the resident feeding the animals on the property. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of three leopards, two servals (bobcat-sized animals native to Africa), tens of thousands of suspected marijuana seeds and seedlings, suspected cocaine, a loaded pistol, and numerous photos showing marijuana cultivation and other large cats previously on the property, including lions, tigers, cougars, and ocelots. The animals were taken to a wildlife sanctuary in the Los Angeles area, where they will be held until criminal proceedings are completed. The owner is currently on probation from a previous state conviction for possessing wild animals without a permit. [Todd Swain, SA, JOTR, 5/16]
On the evening of July 14th, rangers David Smith and John Evans were contacted at the Cottonwood residence area by a German visitor who reported that his friend D.H., 22, had fallen 50 feet and broken his ankle. The incident occurred at Lost Palms Oasis, a four mile hike from the nearest trailhead. Smith, who is an EMT, hiked in and found that D.H. was in stable condition and had a compound fracture to his right ankle and multiple lacerations and abrasions. Due to his stable condition, flash flood damage to the trail, the moonless night, the 200-foot high-angle technical rescue that would be required, and the unavailability of a helicopter, the rescue was postponed until first light. Smith spent the night with D.H., monitoring his condition. A county helicopter equipped with a hoist short- hauled D.H. out in the morning. He was then taken to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, where he underwent surgery for the fracture. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 7/19]
Parks throughout the system are making preparations for millennium-related events which will take place on or around New Years Eve. The Morning Report will provide continuing updates on those preparations and on the activities themselves as they occur. Today's initial entry comes from Jerry McCarthy in Pacific West Region: o Mojave NP/Death Valley NP/Joshua Tree NP/Lake Mead NRA (CA/NV) - Staff from the four parks will meet in December to prepare a desert contingency plan. All are expecting heavy visitation, particularly Lake Mead, which will receive spillover from Las Vegas. Plans presently call for having all law enforcement staff on duty for the event. Parks making similar preparations are encouraged to submit short summaries to the Morning Report. [Editor]
On November 6th, rangers were notified of a fall in the "Hall of Horrors" area of the park - a popular climbing spot. Forty-year-old B.C. was found to have fallen into a small crevice and suffered an open fracture to her left lower leg. Ranger Terry Olsson was the operations chief during the rescue, which involved two other agencies and numerous bystanders. B.C. was raised out of the small crevice and lowered to the desert floor. [Keith Kelly, DR/IC, JOTR, 11/8]
Rangers were alerted to the presence of a "rave" party in the Coxcomb Mountains at 3:15 a.m. on November 7th. Responding rangers Pete Roehrs and Keith Kelly met with Riverside County officers and broke up the party, which was attended by about 200 people, including people masquerading as Raggedy Anne, Dr. Seuss and other characters. Fines totaling $600 were issued to the organizers of the event. Minor resource damage occurred in the immediate area. A group of five people leaving the party was involved in a motor vehicle accident near the park's boundary which resulted in a back injury, other minor injuries, and the totaling of a vehicle. Kelly assisted other agencies with the accident. [Keith Kelly, DR, JOTR, 11/8]
An arson fire was reported at the Cottonwood visitor center and outbuildings around 5 a.m. on December 10th. Quick response by two rangers kept damage to a minimum. A suspect was arrested at the scene and went before the magistrate in Los Angeles three days later. The suspect was also the person who reported the fire to the ranger at Cottonwood. Damage is estimated at about $10,000. Park maintenance has made repair of the building a top priority. The visitor center should reopen later this week. [Keith Kelly, DR, Cottonwood District, 12/14]
On January 1st, rangers were notified that 27-year-old J.M. had fallen in the Rattlesnake Canyon area of Indian Cove. J.M. was found to have fallen 40 feet onto a rock ledge and suffered a shattered left ankle. Due to the ruggedness of the canyon, a county air rescue helicopter extricated J.M. via a 110-foot short-haul. Rangers, members of the park's volunteer rescue team, sheriff's deputies, and local units responded. [Jeff Ohlfs, IC, JOTR, 1/14]
On May 6th, rangers Jeff Ohlfs and John Evans caught E.J. of Mancos, Colorado, and J.D. of Orange, California, using an artificial light in the park to view reptiles. During the subsequent investigation, the rangers found two rosy boas and a banded gecko in their vehicle. Both men were cited; the reptiles were photographed and released. Additional charges may be filed by California Department of Fish and Game and by the Fish and Wildlife Service based on additional information obtained during the contact regarding license fraud and interstate trafficking. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 5/12]
Over the period from Thursday, April 27th, to Saturday, April 29th, officers from seven federal, state and local agencies joined rangers in a saturation patrol of the eastern Coachella Valley. Twenty-four officers and rangers in two CHP aircraft, 15 marked units, and two unmarked units covered the area. Four arrests were made for weapons, a parole violation and outstanding warrants; 28 citations were issued for illegal dumping and for vehicle and county code violations. Two "rave" parties were dispersed, two stolen and one abandoned vehicle were recovered, and investigations were conducted for reptile poaching, spotlighting and recreational shooting. The operation was coordinated by ranger Jeff Ohlfs. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 5/31]
In January, 1994, rangers discovered that the historic grave of pioneer Johnny Lang had been illegally excavated. The ensuing investigation revealed that Lang's skull and femurs had been taken from the grave. No suspects were identified and Lang's remains were not recovered. On February 4, 1999, the park received a tip from an informant that a local resident currently had Lang's skull in his possession. A search warrant was served at the home of D.S., 49, in 29 Palms, California. D.S. eventually admitted that the informant had contacted him about the likelihood of a search that he'd therefore moved the skull to another location. D.S. also said that the skull was Native American and that he had bought it at a local swap meet in the mid-1980s. Numerous items were seized during the investigation, including the skull, Native American projectile points and government signs. The skull was examined by two forensic anthropologists, who determined that it was that of a Native American female, not Lang. The case was submitted to the local district attorney, who filed a total of four misdemeanor charges against D.S. and the informant. D.S. subsequently pled guilty to all three charges and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, fined $1,259, and placed on probation for three years. The informant, R.S., 46, pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction and was sentenced to 20 days in jail, fined $1,259 and placed on three years probation. The skull was transferred to the California Native American Heritage Commission and was reburied by the 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians on June 3rd. [Todd Swain, JOTR, 6/13]
On December 10, 1999, rangers Pete Roehrs and John Evans discovered that four fires had been set at the Cottonwood Visitor Center complex. The fires were set in three separate buildings and caused over $7,000 in damage. O.L.A., 30, of San Francisco, was interviewed and later arrested for setting the fires. O.L.A. was indicted by a grand jury on two felony counts, arson and injuring property of the United States. On April 3rd, O.L.A. pled guilty to the latter, which was the lesser of the two felonies. This plea came as the result of analysis performed by the California Department of Justice Crime Lab and telephone recordings made by the Bureau of Prisons. The crime lab compared wooden matches and cigarette butts found at the scene with those found in O.L.A.'s possession at the time of his arrest. The Bureau of Prisons records all outgoing telephone calls and a review of O.L.A.'s calls revealed numerous incriminating statements. On June 12th, O.L.A. was sentenced to 18 months in prison, placed on three years supervised probation, and ordered to pay $7,730 in restitution to the park. [Todd Swain, JOTR, 6/13]
Four hikers were attacked by a swarm of bees on Sunday, June 25th, at the Negropolis Formation, about four miles from the park's west entrance station. Hundreds of bees swarmed the men as they ran almost 300 yards through very rough terrain to their vehicle. Two of the men were seriously injured, receiving well over 100 bee stings; each of the four victims was stung over 25 times. One of the men also broke his leg while fleeing the attack. The men managed to drive themselves to a local area hospital, two of them suffering from partial respiratory compromise due to massive swelling in the neck. Several bees were collected from the victims and will be tested to determine if they were Africanized honey bees. A temporary closure of the area in the immediate vicinity of the attack will be in effect until further notice. Ranger Terry Olsson is leading the investigation. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 6/25]
On the evening of June 23rd, rangers were notified that two people had suffered serious injuries in a fall in the Jumbo Rocks campground area. Ranger Kathy Krisko was the first to arrive on scene. She found that S.C., 19, and B.O., 20, were at the bottom of a deep crevasse between two large rock formations, one lying on top of the other. Both men are Marines stationed at the 29 Palms Marine Corps Base. They'd fallen over 50 feet and were wedged into a crack that was less than four feet wide and had steep walls that were between six and 15 feet high. Krisko had to chimney down to reach the two men. Rescue efforts were hindered by difficult terrain and darkness. Once S.C. and B.O. were stabilized, they were evacuated through small openings and down unstable slopes. Several of their Marine Corps companions, other campers and local fire department personnel assisted in the effort. The two men had suffered multiple injuries and were flown to the regional trauma center in Palm Springs. At the time of the report, one was still in critical condition. They had been scrambling on the large rock formations above Jumbo Rocks when B.O. slipped, probably due to extremely inappropriate footwear. S.C. attempted to catch him, but was pulled off the rock and landed on top of B.O. Ranger John Evans was IC. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 6/24]
On the afternoon of July 4th, rangers responded to a report of a wildfire in the Hidden Valley area of the park. Ranger Tim Bertrand found smoke emanating from an area over 200 yards off the road near the Hall of Horrors rock formation. About a quarter acre of land was actively burning. Bertrand contacted W.E., 21, and W.K., 22, at the site of the fire. W.E. and W.K. had driven over 400 yards off-road to camp behind a rock formation, causing considerable resource damage. Bertrand located the campsite and found an illegal campfire, loaded firearms, and several fireworks. W.E. admitted that the wildfire had been ignited by their fireworks. The fire was quickly suppressed by NPS and BLM fire crews, assisted by San Bernardino County Fire. W.E. and W.K. were cited into magistrate's court and face several USC and CFR charges. Park vegetation specialists are working on a cost estimate for restitution. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 7/10]
Four hikers were attacked by a swarm of bees on Sunday, June 25th, at the Negropolis Formation, about four miles from the park's west entrance station. Each was stung repeatedly, with one victim receiving over 100 stings and breaking his leg while fleeing the attack. The bees have since been positively identified as Africanized honey bees. The area adjacent to the attack was closed to the public for over a week. Rangers made several attempts to find the hive with the assistance of pest management personnel from San Bernadino County and one of the four victims, but all efforts to locate it have so far been unsuccessful. The area has reopened. Cautionary information is being distributed at visitor centers and entrance stations. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 7/9]
A large storm dropped heavy rains on the central and eastern portions of the park on Tuesday, August 29th. The rain caused severe flash flooding and led to the closure of several roads, including the main road connecting Twentynine Palms to I-10. Park staff have spent the past two days clearing debris from the main park road and hope to reopen it tonight. [Judy Bartzatt, CR, JOTR, 8/31]
A year-long investigation into an illegal commercial guiding incident ended on October 5th when C.R. pled guilty to two petty offenses - conducting a commercial operation without a permit and providing false information to a federal officer. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred in Indian Cove campground on November 6, 1999. Ranger Terry Olsson found C.R. conducting a climbing class that included overnight camping and meals and was operating out of the family campsites without a permit. C.R. made several false statements concerning the nature of his operation to Olsson. Under the terms of the plea agreement, C.R. was placed on two years of informal court probation, banned from the park for a year, and fined $1,250. The investigation revealed that C.R. conducts commercial guiding operations on BLM lands, in game preserves, and in other parks, primarily in the desert Southwest. These include both river trips and rock climbing classes. C.R. typically advertises through adult education departments in local universities and community colleges, but is not sponsored by or affiliated with any know accredited institution. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 10/9]
On the morning of November 8th, the park was notified of a serious accident in Cottonwood Canyon about two miles south of the Cottonwood VC. Interpretive ranger David Smith advised park dispatch and responded. When he arrived, Smith found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. He was unable to reach the unresponsive driver due to the intensity of the fire. Rangers, CHP officers, and CDF structural firefighters arrived soon after. The vehicle was completely destroyed and had to be identified by VIN markings on the frame. The driver has not yet been identified, nor has the cause of the accident been determined. CHP officers and rangers are investigating jointly. Ranger John Evans is the case ranger for the park. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 11/13]
The park received word of a lost hiker on July 22nd. Two 21-year-old men had departed on foot from Cathedral City the preceding day, intending to hike across the park to Yucca Valley. Temperatures in the Cathedral City area exceeded 100 degrees that day. The two men departed around 8 a.m. with only a small bottle of Gatorade each. They traversed several ridge lines and canyons in the Little San Bernadino Mountains until they exhausted their supplies and one became ill. The other hiker set off to get help and reported his companion as missing upon arrival at a residence in the town of Morongo Valley. Rangers made the initial response and investigation. As clues were developed, it became apparent that the primary search was going to be outside of Joshua Tree. The park continued to manage search operations until the county sheriff took over on the evening of the 22nd. Sheriff's department searchers found the man within the primary search area the next morning - less than a quarter mile from the point where park staff had staged. The victim was severely dehydrated but otherwise okay. Local media interest was high. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 7/28]
On July 28th, the park was notified that a 22-year-old man was stranded on a ledge in the Hidden Valley campground area. Responding rangers found C.M. stranded on a small ledge about 100 feet up on Chimney Rock. Rangers John Evans and Jeremy Monroe climbed to the top of the formation, rappelled to C.M.'s location, secured him in a harness, and rappelled with him to the ground. C.M. was mildly dehydrated but otherwise in good shape. He had scrambled to the top of the formation and was seeking a route down when he became stranded. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 7/28]
On August 19th, the park received a report of an injured climber who was stuck on a ledge in the Indian Cove area. Rangers found P.B., 19, stranded over 30 feet above the ground on the north face of Vanishing Wall. P.B. had been rappelling with friends when he lost control of his descent. He attempted to slow his fall by grabbing the rope with his ungloved hands and consequently suffered severe burns and skin loss to both hands. He was therefore unable to assist in his extrication. Rangers climbed to the top of the formation, lowered a rescuer to P.B., attached him to a rescue system, and lowered him to the ground. Temperatures exceeded 105 degrees during the rescue. P.B. is a Marine stationed at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base. Keith Kelly was IC. [Patrick Suddath, DR, JOTR, 8/22]
On the night of Wednesday, November 7th, a white 1985 Dodge cargo van owned by the park (Interior plate number I-152591) was stolen from the lot of an auto glass installer in the city of Twentynine Palms, California. The van was a military surplus vehicle and therefore has the words "US Marine Corps" on the back in raised letters. Although the letters have been painted over, they are still visible from certain angles. Please contact the park with any information at 760-367-5547. [Kathy Krisko, PR, JOTR, 11/9]
On the afternoon of Friday, April 12th, D.L., 42, fell while leading Frosty Cone, a 5.7 climb on the Dairy Queen Wall. He was about eight feet above his last placed protection and had climbed out of the crack he was following face-right; he therefore swung sideways when he fell, pulling out his last-placed protection. D.L. struck the back of his head (he was not wearing a helmet) and was knocked unconscious. He then flipped upside down in his harness. D.L.'s partner managed to lower him about 30 feet while other climbers drove to Hidden Valley and used the emergency satellite phone there to report the fall. Rangers and two paramedics from Morongo Basin Ambulance were able to scramble to the area. Rangers then set up a guideline and lowered D.L. about 80 vertical feet and 100 horizontal feet to the ground. BLM firefighters who were in the area at training then completed the carry-out to the ambulance. D.L. was transported to a Mercy Air ship waiting at Hidden Valley and flown to a hospital. Joshua Tree volunteer SAR team members also assisted. Scott Fischer was litter attendant; Jeremy Monroe was IC. [Kathy Krisko, Acting Cottonwood DR, JOTR, 4/26]
Rangers were contacted by the San Bernadino Sheriff's Office just after midnight on July 2nd and notified that a young woman named T.Y. was missing in the park. Rangers contacted T.L., the person who'd called the sheriff's office. T.L. said that T.Y. had been missing since 10 a.m. on July 1st, that her last meal had been dinner on June 30th, that she had two liters of bottled water with her, and that she was taking prescription medication for depression. A search was begun at 6 a.m. Park employees from several divisions and members of a volunteer SAR team participated in the search. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office provided a search helicopter and airplane for air support. Meanwhile, investigators learned that T.Y. and T.L. had been using illegal drugs prior to her becoming lost. Ground searchers found T.Y. lying on the ground just before 10 a.m. She was incoherent and showing signs of dehydration. T.Y. was flown to Hi-Desert Medical Center. T.Y. and T.L. were later cited for drug possession and use, disorderly conduct and camping violations. [Jimmy Pritchett, JOTR]
On October 28, a group of Boy Scouts discovered human remains in the 49 Palms Trail area of the park. Ranger Jeff Ohlfs and San Bernadino County homicide detectives investigated the next day. They determined that they were the remains of 60-year-old J.D. of Seal Beach, California, missing since 1998. J.D. and his wife had camped in the park that June. They then returned home to Seal Beach, which is about 150 miles from the park. J.D.'s wife unpacked, then took a shower; when she came out, he was gone. It's not clear why or how J.D. returned to the park, since he didn't take the family car and no vehicle was found abandoned in the park. Investigators have determined that he withdrew about $200 from his bank account via an ATM machine on the same day he disappeared. His wife offered a reward for information on her husband's disappearance, but no credible reports have come to light so far. [Submitted by Joe Zarki, PIO] Tuesday, April 15, 2003 Joshua Tree NP has historically been a popular gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts during the Christmas and New Years holidays. During the 2002 holiday, all park campgrounds and facilities were full. While patrolling the Hidden Valley campground after dark on New Year's Eve, rangers Tim Bertrand and Scott Fischer saw two people on a rock formation above the campground. After hearing the distinctive sound of a tin white gas container hitting the rock, they observed a large fire erupt on the face of the formation. When they identified themselves to the pair, both fled from the area. The rangers apprehended them as they climbed down the back of the formation. They were subsequently identified as J.T. and E.W. Both were cited for arson, with mandatory court appearances stipulated. Later in the evening, the two rangers were again patrolling the campground. They came across a site with a large fire and several people talking loudly. As the rangers approached the site, they recognized J.T. and E.W. J.T. made several statements indicating that he had no remorse or understanding of what he had done. He stated several times that he planned on doing the same thing next year, and the he would also light several other fires. J.T. also said that "as the editor," he was not supposed to do things like this. Several days later, the rangers discovered that J.T. was the senior editor for Climbing Magazine, one of the top two publications on rock climbing. On April 4th, J.T. and E.W. appeared in federal court. They appeared separately in front of the magistrate, and each pled guilty. J.T. showed no remorse and did not apologize for his actions to the court. He was sentenced to five years' unsupervised probation, banned from entering the park for five years, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. The court also required him to provide copies of the rangers' report and the court proceedings to his employer and the magazine's owner, the Primedia Corporation. E.W. showed remorse and apologized to the court and to the park staff present for her actions. She was sentenced to a $500 fine and three years' unsupervised probation and banned from entering the park for a period of three years. [Jeff Ohlfs, Acting Chief Ranger, JOTR] Wednesday, April 23, 2003 Rangers Tim Bertrand and Scott Fischer cited J.T. and E.W. last New Year's Eve for exploding a tin of white gas on a rock formation near the Hidden Valley campground. During the course of a subsequent contact that evening, J.T. told the rangers that he planned on doing the same thing in the coming year and the he would also light several other fires. J.T. also said that "as the editor," he was not supposed to do things like this. Several days later, the rangers discovered that J.T. was the senior editor for Climbing magazine, one of the top two publications on rock climbing. When J.T. appeared in court earlier this month, he showed no remorse and did not apologize for his actions to the court. He was sentenced to five years' unsupervised probation, banned from entering the park for five years, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. The court also required him to provide copies of the rangers' report and the court proceedings to his employer and the magazine's owner, the Primedia Corporation. The following statement appeared in this month's edition of the magazine: "Yesterday details of an incident and charges involving Climbing magazine editor J.T. and the National Park Service in Joshua Tree National Park first came to the attention of Climbing's management team. "We immediately undertook action and conducted an internal investigation. Based on the results of those efforts, Climbing magazine this morning terminated J.T.'s employment effective immediately. A successor will be named later. "For 33 years Climbing's editorial content has been a constant refrain to climbers to act as environmental stewards. We have encouraged the climbing community to employ minimum impact climbing practices, and have strived as employees and representatives of Climbing and the community to maintain even higher standards for ourselves. Violations of that obligation are dealt with swiftly and deliberately. "Climbing magazine has supported the Access Fund since its inception in 1989, through financial sponsorship, marketing assistance, and editorial coverage of their efforts. Climbing's long-time editor, publisher, former owner and current editorial consultant, M.K., served as a volunteer on the Access Fund board of directors from 1993 through 2002 and as Access Fund president in 1999 and 2000. "Climbing magazine supported climbing specific efforts of the Conservation Alliance with corporate sponsorship from 1992 through 1998. And more recently, the magazine has supported the Utah Open Lands' Castleton Tower Preservation Initiative, a community and industry supported effort to save Castle Valley from development. Environmental awareness and activism are the core tenets of Climbing's philosophy — past, present and future." For more information, see http://www.climbing.com/. [Article courtesy of Craig Glassner, GOGA]
Ranger Scott Fischer came upon a desert bighorn sheep skull in a tent
in the Hidden Valley campground on October 29, 2002. An investigation
ensued and the occupants of the site were found to be a group from
Prescott College. The owner of the tent was reported to be J.M.,
an instructor from the school. When he was interviewed later that day,
he admitted to taking the skull from Dead Horse Canyon in Death Valley
NP several days earlier. The group was on a class field trip to both
parks. J.M. was cited with a mandatory court appearance for possession
of wildlife parts and violating terms and conditions of a permit. On
February 7th, J.M. appeared in court and pled guilty to the charges.
As a consequence of his actions, J.M. was terminated from his position
with Prescott College. The college has since made provisions to educate
its instructors and students on both common National Park Service rules
and regulations and the terms and conditions of NPS permits. On April
4th, J.M. was sentenced to a fine of $1200 and a year's unsupervised
probation and banned from entering Joshua Tree or Death Valley for a
period of one year. The skull will be returned to Death Valley.
In October, 2001, park employees determined that G.F., the
superintendent's secretary, had apparently been misusing her government
credit card. An investigation was begun, headed by special agent Todd
Swain, and it was determined that G.F. had stolen and embezzled a
total of $6,378.35 from the park, National Park Association, Employee
and Alumni Association, and a private company. G.F. was arrested last
December after refusing to meet with either her court-appointed attorney
or a federal probation officer, as had been ordered by the court. She
spent nearly a week in federal custody. In March, G.F. appeared in
federal court and pled guilty to one count of theft. She was placed on a
year's supervised probation and ordered to pay the full amount in
restitution.
Teams of searchers are looking for a hiker who has been missing in
the park since Monday afternoon. The search is being coordinated jointly
by the park and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office and is being
augmented by volunteer search teams. At present, a total of 75 people
are participating in the operation. In addition to ground searchers, the
sheriff's office has contributed a dozen horse-mounted searchers and two
search dogs to the effort. Helicopters from the sheriff's office and the
U.S. Marine base in Twentynine Palms were to join in yesterday.
M.M. and his son Ma.M. were hiking on the popular Barker Dam trail
in the Wonderland of Rocks area of the park on Monday afternoon. The
trail is a one-mile loop; the two hikers went in different directions,
planning to meet on the backside of the trail near Barker Dam. When Ma.M.
arrived at the meeting place, his father was not there.
Yesterday, searchers concentrated on saturating some previously covered
areas and examining more of the many deep holes and crevices that exist
in the rugged boulder formations that characterize the area. There are
many informal trails in the area created by hikers and rock climbers,
all of which must be examined by search teams. Additional updates on the
search progress will be issued as more information is available.
The search for hiker M.M. (see April 24th edition) ended
successfully on Friday when he was found alive at a point about a
mile-and-a-half north of the Barker Dam trail, where he'd last been seen
on Monday, April 21st. A Riverside County team assigned to that search
area found footprints that led them to M.M., who was suffering from
severe dehydration and a number of minor injuries. He was alert and able
to talk with his rescuers. After undergoing a field medical assessment,
M.M. was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm
Springs for treatment. About 80 people were involved in the search on
its final day. Organizations that participated in the search included
the park, the San Bernadino County and Riverside County SO's, BLM,
Joshua Tree SAR, Morongo Basin SAR and Sierra Madre SAR. Logistical
support was provided by the local Citizens Patrol, the Marine Air Ground
Task Force Training Command, rangers from Death Valley, and many
volunteers. Helicopters, mounted searchers and search dog units were
employed along with ground teams.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Erika struck the park on the afternoon
of August 20th, causing sudden flashflooding in the Morongo Basin and
two to three inches of rain in in an hour's time in the town of Yucca
Valley. Cars were swept away by a major flash flood that ran through the
town's streets, and homes filled up with flood waters. The town's fire
department was swamped with emergency calls for help. A BLM engine and
crew from the Black Rock Interagency Fire Center, located in the park,
responded to provide assistance. Over the course of about four hours,
crew members assisted with numerous swiftwater rescue assignments and
helped salvage property from homes. While en route to town, crew members
saw roads flooded with three feet of water, cars stuck in washed-out
roadways, and vehicles being swept down washes. One park employee had
her car partly buried by mud and debris at Black Rock campground.
Covington Road, a dirt four-wheel-drive road, has been closed until
washouts can be repaired.
Torrential rains fell on the park on August 27th and 28th, damaging numerous park roads and facilities (these storms were separate from the storm reported in the Morning Report and InsideNPS yesterday). A number of temporary closures have accordingly been put into effect. Due to the flash flood damage, the following have been closed until further notice:
Many areas in the park received from three to five inches of rain
last week, with between one and three inches pelting many park locations
in one 24-hour period alone. Some of the storms were characterized by
high winds, heavy rains, and occasional hail. In the Wilson Canyon area
on Route 11, a 300-foot section of road was deeply undercut by flood
waters, creating a hazardous situation. More than six miles of road in
the Pinto Basin area have been covered with rocks, mud, and debris. In
the Indian Cove area, campground access roads have been washed out, and
many campsites have been covered with fresh mud. Fortunately, these
storms caused no visitor injuries or accidents. Many other facilities
were unaffected and remain open. Further updates on facility closures
will be issued as conditions change. For current information on park
road and travel conditions, visitors can call 760-367-5500.
The park will be reopening some of the facilities closed due to flood damage later this week. Mud and debris are being cleared from the Indian Cove Campground and the Rattlesnake Canyon Day Use Area, and both should reopen on Friday. Keys Ranch Road will also open that day, with a public guided tour of the historic Desert Queen Ranch offered that afternoon. Temporary closures are still in effect in some places:
Many areas in the park received from three to five inches of rain
last week. The Pinto Basin Road (Park Route 11) was one of the worst
damaged areas. Heavy rains caused severe damage and undercutting of the
road in places, and six miles of road were covered with mud and debris.
A 400-foot section of road through Wilson Canyon will require complete
reconstruction. The Pinto Basin Road is expected to re-open in two
weeks. The visitor centers in 29 Palms and Cottonwood remain open, as do
seven campgrounds and ten nature trails. The scenic drive through the
Wonderland of Rocks area and the Keys View Overlook are also open to
visitor traffic. Visitors are reminded to use extreme care when
traveling flood-prone areas and to never enter washes when water is
running. Temporary road closures are in place for public safety. For
current information on park road and travel conditions, visitors can
call 760-367-5500.
On June 27th, a fee collector saw a park visitor who had a long, thin
bamboo pole with a string attached to it. This type of snare is commonly
used for capturing reptiles. The fee collector provided rangers
with a vehicle description and license plate number. Several hours
later, ranger Eric Paul located the vehicle and stopped I on Pinto Basin
Road approximately two miles north of the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
Paul saw the bamboo snare in plain view in the vehicle. During the
subsequent search of the vehicle, 36 items were seized, including a live
scorpion approximately five inches in length, a snake hook, assorted
tools for the collection of reptiles, nearly an ounce of marijuana and
associated drug paraphernalia. Numerous violation notices were
issued to the occupants of the vehicle — P.C.G., Jr., and
N.D.H. When questioned, P.C.G. said that he was planning to
keep the scorpion as a pet.
The search for E.S., 17, of Carlsbad, California, continues, as
does a parallel investigation into possible criminal activity. During
the search, which began last week, information was gathered through
interviews with park visitors that suggested the possibility of foul
play in his disappearance. The Riverside Sheriff's Department's homicide
unit accordingly entered the investigation (80% of the park is in that
county). The Jumbo Rock area was again searched on Tuesday, but no sign
of E.S. was found. The search was therefore scaled back on Wednesday.
Rangers are continuing their patrol and monitoring of other search
areas. New information is being posted on the sheriff's department's web
site (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/index.html) as it becomes
available.
Late last week, the Riverside Sheriff's Office confirmed that the
body recovered from the park on Friday, July 23rd, is that of E.S.,
17, of Carlsbad, California. A search group associated with
S.'s family located the body near the Twin Tanks trailhead in rocky
terrain. This area is approximately two-and-a-half miles from the Jumbo
Rocks campground, where an extensive search began for E.S. on July
15th. The autopsy revealed no obvious signs of trauma. The possibility
of foul play and exact cause of death are still being investigated.
Critical incident stress debriefing team members from Yosemite and
Cabrillo conducted sessions with park staff last week. Funeral services
for E.S. were held on Saturday in Carlsbad. At the family's
request, Joshua Tree National Park employees and volunteer searchers
from JOSAR were invited to attend the service.
In October, 2001, park employees determined that G.F., the
superintendent's secretary, had apparently been misusing her government
credit card. An investigation was begun, headed by special agent Todd
Swain, and it was determined that G.F. had stolen and embezzled a
total of $6,378.35 from the park, National Park Association, Employee
and Alumni Association, and a private company. G.F. was arrested after
refusing to meet with either her court-appointed attorney or a federal
probation officer, as had been ordered by the court. After nearly a week
in federal custody, she appeared before the judge and was sentenced to a
year's supervised probation and ordered to pay the full amount in
restitution. This past July, park staff learned that G.F. had failed
to comply with her federal probation requirements and that a warrant had
been issued for her arrest. G.F. was subsequently located in
Twenty-Nine Palms and taken into custody by an NPS agent and a Joshua
Tree ranger. G.F. appeared before a federal judge on August 9th and
was sentenced to five weeks in jail and another year of supervised
probation. She was again ordered to pay restitution to the park and the
other victims.
On the morning of Saturday, October 29th, park employees received reports of a disturbance from visitors who were camping in the group campsites at Indian Cove Campground. Protection rangers responded. During the subsequent investigation, the rangers confiscated seven cannons constructed from PVC piping which were being used to shoot potatoes into the area of the campground through the use of a gas propellant. The cannons ranged in size from two to six feet in length and are defined as destructive devices under the California penal code. Other miscellaneous PVC piping, which was used for making the potato cannons, and three five-pound bags of potatoes were also confiscated. A local California Boy Scout troop occupied the site. The site permit holder was issued a violation notice for possession/use of weapons. The Scoutmaster and group leaders were given multiple verbal warnings for disorderly conduct, sanitation/refuse violations, food storage violations, and miscellaneous traffic offenses. [Judy Bartzatt, Chief Ranger]
A small, single-engine private plane crashed early Sunday evening in the Pinto Basin area of the park. The aircraft, a single-engine Mooney M20C, was taken from the Big Bear Airport on Sunday afternoon by two 14-year-old boys and flown to a remote area in the eastern section of the park, where they made a forced landing about 100 yards north of Park Route 11 sometime between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. The approximate location of the crash was 29 miles southeast of Twentynine Palms. Rangers based in the Cottonwood area of the park received word of the crash at approximately 6:30 p.m. and responded. The crash was reported by a contract employee working in the park on a project for the National Park Service. The two boys on board the plane survived the crash without serious injuries and were treated at the scene by the rangers. The boy piloting the plane was able to make a successful landing, although the plane suffered visible damage to the propeller, landing gear, and fuselage. The plane is owned by parents of the boy who piloted the plane. The boys were transferred to the custody of a San Bernardino County deputy sheriff late Sunday night. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the crash. A salvage crew was expected to remove the plane by late Monday afternoon. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
The body of a 49-year-old man who apparently committed suicide by jumping from one of the rock formations in the Hidden Valley day use area was discovered just after noon on Monday, March 13th. Friends of the man had contacted the San Bernadino County Sheriff's Office and reported that he'd threatened suicide and that he'd told them that he was going to jump from a high point within the park. A ranger found his vehicle while other rangers conducted a hasty search of the area and found his body. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the investigation. [Judy Bartzatt, Chief Ranger]
In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 10th, a man attempted to enter the ranger residence at Indian Cove by smashing in a window with a gardening tool. One of the residents was at home asleep during the incident. A dog in the house started barking just prior to the window breaking, awakening the occupant and scaring away the suspect. The resident called 911, and San Bernadino County Sheriff's Office deputies responded, as there were no rangers on duty at the time of the attempted break-in. The deputies were able to locate the would-be burglar at a nearby picnic table, drinking a Nalgene bottle full of beer, and arrested him for felony attempted burglary. [Submitted by Dan Messaros, Acting Chief Ranger]
Strong thunderstorms that passed across the north central area of the park on August 4th caused flooding that damaged park facilities and forced a number of temporary closures. Due to flash flood damage, a section of Indian Cove Road, the Indian Cove campground and group campsites, the Rattlesnake Canyon day use area, and a five-mile-long segment of the North Entrance Road from the North Entrance to the Pinto Wye junction were all closed. The North Entrance Road has now reopened, with a temporary graded road through the flood area. Full repaving should be completed by mid-September. Indian Cove campground remains closed until some time during the week of August 18th. Shoulder repair work is ongoing along the Pinto Basin Road, but the road remains open to visitors. While about three-quarters of an inch of rain fell at park headquarters in Twentynine Palms, it's estimated that storm-affected areas in the park may have received from three to five inches of rain that afternoon. Torrential floodwaters were observed crossing one section of park road just south of the North Entrance, resulting in the complete loss of 30 feet of roadway. In the Indian Cove area, floodwaters scoured steep drop-offs along the edges of about one-third of the road leading to Indian Cove campground and significant flood damage occurred in portions of the campground. The park's other main entrances, the West Entrance, five miles south of the community of Joshua Tree, and South Entrance, near Interstate 10, remain open for public use. All other park roads are open for visitor traffic. Minor local flooding occurred on many park roads, and some sand and small rocks have washed onto park roadways. For current information on park road and travel conditions, visitors can call 760-367-5500. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
A 67-year-old California man died of injuries sustained in a fall that occurred last Sunday while he was climbing a rock formation called the Great Burrito. A second climber also fell in the same accident and was treated for injuries sustained during his fall. At approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, C.S., 67, and Alfred Kuok, 44, were climbing in an area near the park's Hidden Valley nature trail, located near the Hidden Valley picnic area. The trail is a popular destination for both day hikers and rock climbers. C.S. was the lead climber on the Great Burrito formation and was being followed by Kuok. C.S. experienced some difficulty with his climb and began to descend. During the descent, he lost his grip and fell. As he fell, C.S. struck Kuok, causing him to fall as well. Kuok's protection held, arresting his fall, but C.S. continued to fall, suffering fatal head injuries when he struck the ground. It's estimated that C.S. fell about 100 feet. Two other rock climbers immediately responded and rendered assistance to Kuok, helping lower him from the cliff face. Rangers received word of the accident at approximately 4:40 p.m. and responded along with members of the Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR) team. Kuok was treated by emergency personnel for back pain, rib injuries, and other possible internal injuries. A San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office helicopter was called in and airlifted Kuok to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. Personnel from the Riverside County Coroner's Office also responded to the accident scene. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
In April 2007, park rangers were told that a man was digging at a historical site within the park. Two rangers responded and contacted S.J. of Foothill Ranch, California, as he was walking back to his car. S.J. had numerous digging implements and two old beer cans in his possession. S.J. was issued an optional appearance citation, which he soon paid. The park archaeologist and a ranger subsequently went to the site and found that 17 holes had been excavated. Because a more serious criminal case was no longer possible due to the citation, a Park Resources Protection Act (19jj) action was begun. The park archaeologist subsequently completed an archaeological injury assessment. In January 2008, S.J. was served with notice of a 19jj violation by an NPS special agent. In late February 2009, S.J. agreed to a settlement that included paying $2,000 in restitution to the park, initiating online discussions on the Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA) and "Rusty Bunch" beer can collecting forums, and submitting an anti-looting article to the BCCA magazine, Beer Cans and Brewery Collectibles. Online discussions were begun by S.J. in April 2009, which led to a very lively discussion. In September 2009, S.J.'s article, "A Reminder to Consider Where We Dig", was published in the BCCA magazine. This article outlines S.J.'s experience dealing with the violation, why the federal government preserves cultural resources, and lists a variety of federal regulations and laws that protect those resources. [Todd Swain, Special Agent]
Two men survived the crash of their small aircraft in a remote area of the park on Monday. R.H. of Joshua Tree, California, and flight instructor W.H. were airlifted by helicopter to Desert Regional Hospital at approximately 2:30 a.m. yesterday morning. The two men had a variety of injuries and were experiencing hypothermia but were expected to survive. R.H. and W.H. took off from Joshua Tree on Monday morning with a plan to fly to Palm Springs. When their Cessna 172 failed to arrive at its destination, the Civil Air Patrol notified rangers, who sent a small team into the field around 3:30 p.m. to begin their search in the area of Quail Mountain, the park's highest peak. Civil Air Patrol had tracked the plane to this general area before it lost contact. Weather in the area at the time included blowing rain, hail, and snow, with sub-freezing temperatures occurring during the following night. Incident commander Dan Messaros called out the Joshua Tree Search & Rescue team (JOSAR) to support the search effort. A JOSAR team was put into the field at about 8 p.m. on Monday night. At about 10:15 p.m., the aircraft was located near the summit of 5,814-foot Quail Mountain, and initial first aid was rendered to the crash victims. Both men were trapped in the wreckage, requiring the use of battery-powered saws to remove them from the downed aircraft. They were flown from the site by a Riverside County Sheriff's Office helicopter, then airlifted to Palm Springs by Mercy Air. The crash is presently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. At the time of the crash, 8:45 a.m. on Monday morning, weather in the area was poor with a low cloud ceiling and reduced visibility. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer] HYPERLINK "http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2010/01/20/news/doc4b56c01aac69c199630177.txt"
Search and rescue personnel from several agencies are searching the park for missing hiker W.E., 65, of Marietta, Georgia. W.E. was reported missing to park personnel on Friday evening. Initial information concerning W.E.'s possible whereabouts led searchers to focus on the Hayfield area in the southeast section of the park, but efforts shifted to Quail Mountain late on Saturday afternoon when his car was found at the Juniper Falls trailhead and searchers learned that he'd told friends he might hike there. Hasty teams searched the area that evening and operations continued the next day with personnel from the park, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, and the Riverside and San Bernadino County sheriff's offices. Several teams searched on foot and on horseback on Monday near the Lost Horse Valley area, and yesterday the operation expanded further, with about 100 people taking part, including dog and horse teams. No sign of him has yet been found. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
Efforts by search and rescue personnel to locate missing hiker William Ewasko entered their sixth day on Thursday. Teams of agency and volunteer ground searchers continue to comb the Quail Mountain area of the park in an effort to locate the Georgia man, who was first reported missing last Friday. Teams responding to the search on Thursday included Desert Search and Rescue from Riverside County and Sierra Madre Mountain Rescue from Los Angeles County. Teams from San Bernardino County included Morongo Basin Search and Rescue and RIMSAR from the Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead area. Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, affiliated with Joshua Tree National Park, also contributed volunteer ground searchers. National Park Service and Riverside County Sheriff's Office personnel continue to coordinate the search effort, with additional support from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office. Thursday's objectives called for ground search teams to work the highest priority sectors of Juniper Flats and Quail Springs, located to the east and north of the Quail Mountain summit. To date, over 100 volunteer searchers have contributed 1,100 ground search hours - in addition to efforts by trained dog teams, equestrian searchers, and helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Sheriff's Office. Hundreds of additional man-hours have been dedicated to the search effort by support staff. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
The park has suspended daily search operations for Georgia resident W.E., 65, who was reported missing on June 25th and is believed to have gone hiking in the Quail Mountain area. The search has been conducted under a unified command with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, which has also terminated search operations and is now handling the incident as a missing person case. The park will support the county's investigative efforts. Although Joshua Tree has suspended active search operations, the search itself will continue on an intermittent basis when staff and SAR volunteers are available. Many agencies and organizations contributed staff, time, and support to the W.E. search. More than 100 volunteers took part in search and rescue operations in the Quail Mountain area, contributing over 1,400 hours of ground search time. They were aided by equestrian search teams, trained dog teams, and air support. Dozens of additional staff members and volunteers provided logistics support for the extended search effort with hundreds of contributed hours. The park extends its thanks to all of them. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of W.E. is asked to contact Palm Desert' Sheriff's Station investigator Mario Martinez at 760-836-1600. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
Park rangers and volunteer searchers are combing an area of rugged hills and canyons near Yucca Valley for a missing hiker. E.R., 64, of Culver City, California, has been missing since last Friday evening, when he failed to return from a hike near the park's Black Rock Campground. E.R. was reported missing to park rangers on Sunday afternoon. Under the guidance of IC Dan Messaros, rangers and members of Joshua Tree Search & Rescue are concentrating ground search activities in the wilderness area south of the campground, where E.R. was believed to have gone hiking. Six teams of ground searchers are looking throughout the area's many hiking and equestrian trails. The ground search effort is being aided by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office helicopter. E.R. parked at the campground and told other campers that he intended to go out for a solo day hike on Friday afternoon. When he failed to return on either Friday or Saturday, his absence was reported to rangers. Based on information provided by E.R.'s family, it is believed that he is an experienced hiker and is in good physical condition. The terrain in the search area is characterized by steep, rocky ridges cut by canyons and dry streambeds. The general elevation is 4,000 to 5,500 feet. There are few natural water sources. Some shade can be found beneath scattered trees and rocks. Recent weather at Black Rock Canyon has been sunny and hot, with daytime temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s. E.R. is a Caucasian male, 5'7" in height, weighing 145 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing eyeglasses, a tan shirt, tan pants, and a tan wide-brim hat with a tail for sun protection. He was carrying a black camelback-style backpack. Anyone traveling in the area who might have seen him or someone matching his description should call the Federal Interagency Communications Center at 909-383-5668. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
The ongoing search for Culver City resident E.R. entered its third full day on Wednesday. The focus shifted yesterday as search teams found clear indications of E.R.'s presence in a location south of the original search area. Tracking teams found tracks they believe are those of E.R. and followed them off-trail into a rugged region of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Wednesdays' search effort focused on following these tracks. As of 5 p.m., however, E.R. had not yet been located. A San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office helicopter and ground search teams combed a region several miles south of the original search area, finding additional tracks but not the missing hiker. For the first time, ground teams were directed to search from the park's south boundary north into the search area. Participating in yesterday's operations were newly arrived teams from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Madre Search & Rescue, Riverside County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue, and search personnel from the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Search teams and support staff from Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office continued their ongoing assistance with the E.R. incident. A total of 40 personnel tasked to the search included ground teams, trackers, search dogs, and equestrian searchers in addition to a helicopter crew. Incident commanders are planning a full day of search activity for tomorrow concentrating on the area where E.R.'s tracks appear to be leading. The search area is now focused on an area of deeply cut canyons, ravines, and rocky ridges between Black Rock Canyon and Desert Hot Springs. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
The five-day search for Culver City resident E.R. ended yesterday with search crews finding the missing hiker alive. A helicopter crew from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's office found E.R. around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning. He was given first aid at the scene by the helicopter crew and airlifted to Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, California, where he is being treated in the hospital's intensive care unit as a precautionary measure and is listed in fair condition. E.R. began hiking last Friday in an area near Black Rock Campground. After failing to return from his hike, he was reported missing by campers to National Park Service rangers on Sunday, September 26th. Search efforts were initially concentrated along maintained trails in the Black Rock area. Late last Tuesday, search teams found tracks believed to be E.R.'s in the East Wide Canyon area of the park - a remote, rugged wilderness of steep hills, deep ravines, and desert canyons. Since Wednesday, rescue efforts have been concentrated in this area of the park, leading to E.R.'s discovery Thursday morning. During his ordeal, E.R. sustained himself on the limited amount of food and water he carried in his daypack. Eventually, he sought a shady location in side ravine, where he waited for help. Searcher and rescue personnel participating in the extended search included the following organizations: Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR), San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, Riverside County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, Orange County Sheriff's Office, San Diego Mountain Rescue, and the Civil Air Patrol. Park staff and San Bernardino County's Sheriff's personnel provided vital logistical support. Each day, anywhere from 25 to 55 searchers took part in the ongoing operation. Ground search teams, trackers, equestrian teams, search dogs, and airplanes and helicopters all contributed to the successful outcome. IC Dan Messaros closed the command center on Thursday afternoon and thanked all personnel involved for their dedication, professionalism, and perseverance. The E.R. family wishes to express its thanks to all search personnel, family members, and well-wishers who supported them during their long ordeal. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
On Monday, April 18th, park rangers were notified of a climbing accident in the Saddle Rock area of the park. Saddle Rock, a prominent granite spur on the north side of 5,461-foot Ryan Mountain, offers one of the steepest vertical rock faces in Joshua Tree. D.P., 33, of Loomis, California, was climbing Saddle Rock with a companion on a route known as "Walk on the Wild Side." D.P. had just finished belaying his climbing partner down a pitch and was in the process of descending himself when he fell more than 100 feet, suffering severe and ultimately fatal injuries. Notification was received about 15 minutes after the accident occurred. Rangers and members of the volunteer SAR team, Joshua Tree Search & Rescue, responded. They helped D.P.'s climbing companion complete his descent and recovered D.P.'s body. San Bernardino County Medical Engine 36 was dispatched to the incident as well as a unit from Morongo Basin Ambulance. Riverside County Sheriffs' Office handled the investigation, and a member of the county coroner's office declared D.P. dead at the scene. The last park climbing fatality occurred on March 15, 2009. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
Rangers and rescue personnel from several agencies responded yesterday morning to a report of a plane crash in the northwest section of the park near Covington Flats. The plane, a small home-built aircraft constructed from a kit, was flying from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to Compton, California, when it crashed in a hilly area of the park and caught fire. The lone occupant of the aircraft, J.T., 28, was given emergency treatment at the scene for injuries sustained in the crash and airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. The crash occurred at approximately 9:20 a.m. Members of the park's trail crew who were working in the vicinity saw a puff of smoke that alerted them to the crash. Local agencies sending personnel to the crash site included the National Park Service, San Bernardino County Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County Sheriffs' Department, California Highway Patrol, and Morongo Basin Ambulance. Helicopters from Mercy Air and San Bernardino County Sheriffs' Department also supported the incident. The crash site is located in rocky terrain inside the park south of the communities of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. Rescue vehicles were able to get within about a mile of the crash site via La Contenta Road after which rescuers had to hike to the actual crash location. Rescue personnel were clear of the incident by about 12:30 p.m. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
Torrential rains caused widespread flash flooding in the Pinto Basin and Cottonwood Spring areas of Joshua Tree National Park yesterday morning. Extensive flood damage occurred to Park Route 11 - the Pinto Basin Road - with loss of pavement in numerous areas. The Cottonwood Visitor Center was flooded and parts of the Cottonwood Campground were washed away. Until further notice, Park Route 11 is closed from the entrance of White Tank Campground to the park's south boundary at Interstate 10. The Cottonwood Visitor Center and Cottonwood Campground are also closed. No visitors or park employees were injured during the flood event and no vehicles were damaged. It is estimated that at least three inches of rain fell during the morning storm. Park crews are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage though it may be some time before complete damage estimates are available. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
A section of Pinto Basin Road, damaged in a severe flashflood on September 13th (click HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewincidentsarticle&type= Incidents&id=5898" here for the initial report), will reopen to the public on Friday. The segment of road that will reopen extends from the present closure at White Tank Campground for approximately nine miles southeast to the Ocotillo Patch pullout. This will allow public access to the popular Cholla Cactus Garden. Also opening on Friday are all park campgrounds and campsites that were closed for the summer due to low visitation. This means that for Friday night all park campgrounds except Cottonwood Campground will be fully open for normal visitor use. Cottonwood Campground will remain closed due to flood damage. The following park areas remain closed due to flood damage: Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Visitor Center Cottonwood Springs Black Eagle Mine Road Old Dale Road Pinkham Canyon Road Thermal Canyon Road All hiking trails originating at Cottonwood Springs. Future updates on repair of recent park storm damage will posted on the park website ( HYPERLINK "http://www.nps.gov/jotr"). [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
A rock climber visiting from Japan was seriously injured in a climbing accident on the afternoon of Sunday, October 23rd. Y.K., 36, sustained severe head trauma when he took a 25-foot fall while climbing on Cyclops Rock. Rangers provided initial emergency care and were assisted by members of Joshua Tree Search and Rescue. San Bernardino County Fire and Morongo Basin Ambulance personnel soon arrived on scene to provide advanced life support. Rangers secured a landing zone for helicopter medical transport, and a Mercy Air helicopter flew Y.K. to Desert Regional Hospital. An initial investigation by rangers revealed that Y.K.'s fall may have occurred when a second member of the two-person climbing team fell from a lead climbing position and struck Y.K., causing him to fall. The second climber was uninjured. The accident is still under investigation. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Specialist]
The park continues to recover from the torrential rains and severe flooding that seriously damaged the park on September 13th. Park Route 11, the Pinto Basin Road, was reopened for visitor use on Tuesday. The Cottonwood Visitor Center also reopened. The Cottonwood Campground and Cottonwood Springs Oasis will remain closed, though, as repairs to the campground and area trails have not yet been completed. Other visitor facilities that reopened on Tuesday included the following four-wheel drive roads that intersect the Pinto Basin Road - Old Dale Road (from Route 11 north to the park boundary), Black Eagle Mine Road (from Route 11 east to the park boundary), and Pinkham/Thermal Canyon Roads (from Route 11 southwest to the park boundary). Two self-guided natural trails, the Botanical Nature Trail located adjacent to the visitor center and the Bajada Nature Trail near the park's south boundary just north of Interstate 10, have also reopened for public use. The Pinto Basin Road is open for two-lane travel along its entire length, but several short unpaved sections remain where travelers should reduce speeds and exercise caution. For further information about Joshua Tree National Park facilities and services, the public can call 760-367-5500, or visit the park's website at: HYPERLINK "http://www.nps.gov/jotr". [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
A California man was injured in a BASE jumping accident on the morning of Monday, November 7th. W.F., 23, sustained minor injuries when his parachutes was blown onto rocks following an illegal jump from a park cliff. Rescue personnel found W.F. high up in granite rock and boulder formations on the northwest slopes of Ryan Mountain near an area known as the Oyster Bar. He was treated at the scene by search and rescue personnel, airlifted to a nearby parking area, and then taken by ambulance to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. The park's SAR team was supported by emergency personnel from San Bernardino County Fire Engine 36, Morongo Basin Ambulance, two Riverside County helicopters, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Specialist]
A 65-year-old man fell 30 feet and suffered injuries to his lower extremities while rock climbing in the Saddle Rock area on the afternoon of Friday, December 16th. Rangers learned of the accident around noon. Ten members of JOSAR, the park's search and rescue team, responded. They were assisted by emergency personnel from San Bernardino County Fire Engine 36, Morongo Basin Ambulance, and a Mercy Air helicopter. The victim was carried from the base of Saddle Rock to the park road, where he was loaded into an ambulance and taken a short distance to the Oyster Bar parking area for medical transport by Mercy Air to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. Ranger Mike Shuman was IC. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Officer]
Cottonwood Spring Oasis, closed since it was damaged during last September's flash flooding, has reopened for public use. In addition to Cottonwood Oasis, the park also reopened the road from Cottonwood Visitor Center to Cottonwood Spring, the Cotton Spring parking area, trails to Cottonwood Spring, Lost Palms Oasis, and the Mastodon Mine Loop Trail. Still closed to public use are Cottonwood Campground, the self-guided nature trail from Cottonwood Campground to Cottonwood Spring, and the canyon wash immediately below Cottonwood Spring. On September 13, 2011, a monsoon-like thunderstorm dumped more than three inches of rain on the Cottonwood area, causing extensive damage. The road through the Pinto Basin and Cottonwood Canyon was reopened in late October and the Cottonwood Visitor Center opened on November 3rd. Park crews are presently working in Cottonwood Campground to repair flood damage to picnic tables, grills, and eroded campsites. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Specialist]
On Tuesday, rangers and local rescue personnel responded to a report of an injured rock climber in the park. M.M., 30, of San Diego, California, was climbing with companions on the Outer Mongolia rock formation when he lost his footing while on belay and fell an estimated 50 feet, sustaining a head injury and cuts and abrasions. M.M. received emergency treatment for his injuries and was flown by helicopter to Loma Linda for further medical treatment. Approximately 20 search and rescue personnel were involved in the incident. Ranger Jimmy Pritchett was IC. [Joe Zarki, Public Affairs Specialist]
The pilot of a single-engine Cessna 182 made an emergency landing on the Pinto Basin Road on Wednesday afternoon. The aircraft, piloted by R.P. of Sun City, Arizona, was on a flight from Pleasant Valley, Arizona, to Hemet, California, when a lack of fuel forced the pilot to land on the park road. Neither the pilot nor his passenger was injured during the emergency landing. The emergency landing was reported to park rangers about 3:50 p.m., and they responded along with personnel from the California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and Indio Fire Department. The pilot said that strong head winds led to higher than normal fuel consumption causing the plane to run low on fuel. The plane suffered minor damage to the wings from impacts to vegetation and it was removed to the side of the road to clear the roadway for vehicle traffic. Federal Aviation Administration officials ordered that the plane not be flown out of the park. After further consultation between park officials and the pilot, it was agreed to remove the plane by tow truck. The plane was taken to Chiriaco Summit on Wednesday evening. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
Park headquarters was closed Wednesday afternoon in response to an apparent hazardous materials incident. A number of National Park Service administrative workers reported symptoms of skin irritation, respiratory distress, nausea, and eye irritation after working in the park's mailroom. The building was evacuated and local hazmat teams were called to the scene. Primary suspicion fell on a package that had been delivered to the park by a commercial carrier earlier in the day. Emergency units responding to the incident included National Park Service rangers, Combat Center Fire Hazardous Materials Unit, Twentynine Palms Fire, and Morongo Basin EMS. Jeff Ohlfs, acting chief ranger, served as co-incident commander with the chief of Twentynine Palms Fire. Eleven park workers were treated under decontamination procedures and given a field assessment by EMS personnel. The Oasis Visitor Center was closed to the public at 4 p.m. to assist emergency workers with the decontamination and clean-up process. No park visitors were exposed to any contamination during the incident. Hazmat workers were not able to determine the nature of the material that caused the sudden onset of symptoms experienced by the park workers. The source of the contamination is still under investigation by local and federal agencies. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
Additional information has been received on the HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Incidents&id=6086" hazmat incident that occurred in the park last month. Park headquarters was closed on the afternoon of March 21st in response to an apparent hazardous materials incident. A number of National Park Service administrative workers reported symptoms of skin irritation, respiratory distress, nausea, and eye irritation after working in the park's mailroom. The building was evacuated and local hazmat teams were called to the scene. A hazmat team from San Bernardino County examined the park's mailroom the day after the original incident, declared the headquarters building free of any contaminants, and cleared the building, including the mailroom, for use by park staff. Employees were allowed to telecommute on Thursday while the building was being examined, and they returned to work in the headquarters building on Friday. Although one employee had a temporary physical reaction to the contaminant connected to their exposure, no one was "sickened" or "overcome," as was reported in the media. A total of eleven park staff underwent decontamination procedures as a precaution. The contaminant has not been determined. The matter has been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is looking into the incident in cooperation with the park. The investigation is ongoing. The park arranged to have a stress debriefing counselor work with park staff after the incident. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
Two people have been reported missing after a weekend excursion that may have taken them to Joshua Tree National Park. T.N. of Landers, California, and H.M. of Lakewood, California, were reported by family members as overdue after a Thanksgiving weekend trip in T.N.'s four-wheel drive Chevy Silverado pickup truck. Family members said that T.N. and H.M. intended to visit the park on Saturday, November 24th, to drive some of area's backcountry roads. Park rangers were notified of the missing individuals on Sunday night. Interviews with park staff led rangers to believe that a vehicle with a driver matching T.N.'s description entered the park about mid-morning on Saturday. Rangers searched all park backcountry roads on Monday in an effort to locate the vehicle and the missing people. Neither was found. The park also contacted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for assistance with an aerial search of the park. A fixed-wing CHP aircraft and a CHP helicopter flew over the park Monday in an effort to see if the vehicle was driven off road. The aerial search was also unsuccessful. At present, it is uncertain if H.M. or T.N. remain in the park or left the park before they were reported overdue. Park rangers have no information about where they might have been intending to visit while in the park. A missing persons report has been filed with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Lakewood, California. [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]
On the morning of Wednesday, July 19th, a park resource employee and an SCA work crew came upon a 50-year-old man at Keys View who was suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Rangers responded and provided first aid until an ambulance arrived. He was flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Spring and is expected to recover. The man reportedly shot himself the previous evening at Inspiration Point, a mile away. Although he said he'd shot himself by accident, evidence indicates that it was intentional and premeditated. The man's 9 mm pistol was found along with a note describing his intent to commit suicide and his last wishes. [Lorna Sue Lange, PIO]
Last weekend was one of the busiest holiday weekends on record for protection rangers at Joshua Tree due to unseasonably warm weather that brought a high number of visitors to the park: Friday evening - Rangers were called out to a report of a possible dead man in the Sheep's Pass Group campground. They found the body of a 30-year-old man from Kansas City, a probable suicide victim. County deputies and the county coroner are leading the investigation. Saturday afternoon - The park received a report of a possible diabetic emergency on the West Loop Trail near the Black Rock campground. Initial reports were that a woman in her 50s had lost consciousness. Rangers, county fire and ambulance personnel, and JOSAR, the park's volunteer SAR team, responded. They were preparing for a carryout when the woman hiked out of the backcountry without assistance. She declined transport or further medical treatment. Later on, rangers responded to a motorcycle accident with two injuries a mile inside the park's west entrance. California Highway Patrol officers lead the investigation; rangers managed the scene without incident during heavy outbound traffic and reduced lane clearance. The accident occurred when the operator failed to negotiate a curve. Alcohol was a suspected cause. Saturday evening - A ranger on patrol in the Jumbo Rocks campground was flagged down and advised of a possible overdue hiker in the Queen Mountain area. The 34-year-old San Diego man was last seen on the north side of the mountain, about three miles into the park's backcountry. He reportedly had very little equipment with him and was wearing only light clothing. Nighttime temperatures at the time were around freezing, so rangers rated the search as high priority. JOSAR was called out and a county helicopter was requested. As JOSAR members were hiking in, the crew of the helicopter spotted the man near the point last seen with infrared scopes and hoisted him aboard. He was very cold and slightly dehydrated, but recovered quickly with water and shelter. The outcome would likely have been much worse had the reporting parties not contacted a ranger. Sunday - Rangers received a report of a hiker who was three days overdue from a trip into the Coxcomb Mountain area. During the search for the missing hiker's vehicle, rangers also responded to an out-of-bounds campfire which had escaped in Pinto Basin and a report of a child locked inside a vehicle in the Jumbo Rocks campground. The search for the overdue hiker's vehicle continues. Monday night - Rangers received a call reporting a lost man and five children in the Desert Queen Mine area. They had no food or water and were not prepared for cold nighttime temperatures. They walked out just as responding rangers and a county deputy arrived at the trailhead. [Jennie Kish Albrinck, PIO]
Rangers responded to a report of a head-on collision between two motorcycles near the park's west entrance on the afternoon of April 6th. While the rangers were en route to the accident, three volunteer park SAR team members reached the scene. They advised that one of the motorcyclists had died and that the other had been critically injured. Investigation revealed that a 27-year-old man who was probably driving his motorcycle at high speed lost control of it, crossed the center line on a corner, and hit the second motorcycle head-on, killing its operator, a woman from British Columbia in her early 60s. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was flown to Desert Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. California Highway Patrol officers are leading the investigation, which is ongoing. The main park road was closed for approximately three hours. [Jennifer Albrinck]
On Monday, September 8th, N.T., 84, left the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, en route to her quilting class at the Yucca Valley Community Center. She never arrived there. N.T.'s vehicle was discovered by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on Friday, September 12th, after her son reported her missing. The car appeared to have become disabled while turning around on a life estate private road in the park. The sheriff's department started an immediate search of the area using patrol personnel, aircraft, bloodhounds, and their own search and rescue teams. They did not realize at the time that this was an obscure portion of the park, but upon notification began cooperative efforts with park staff. Rangers and volunteers from the park's SAR team, JOSAR, are coordinating search activities with the sheriff's department on both sides of the park boundary. N.T. has still not been located. [Jennie Kish Albrinck, PIO]
Joshua Tree National Park, in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), held an unannounced inspection of all commercial for-hire multiple passenger tour buses on Friday, September 19th. The purpose of this unannounced inspection was to ensure visitor safety through safe operation of tour buses. The goal is to reduce chances of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving tour buses bringing passengers into the park. Roadside inspections adhere to the guidelines of the North American Standard for bus safety. There are five levels of inspections, including a vehicle component, a driver component, or a combination of both. Inspections are designed to determine if buses are in compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations. Violations may result in fines or taking a bus out of service immediately. Joshua Tree receives approximately 1.4 million visitors per year, with approximately 20,000 of these people arriving on tour buses. It is a primary concern of the NPS that these visitors are safe during their travels in the park. Joshua Tree National Park and the CHP strive to ensure visitor safety and appreciate the mutual support of the other agencies involved in these surprise bus inspections. CHP only conducts these inspections at locations where passengers have access to shelter, food, and water. Since Joshua Tree does not have such infrastructure inside the park, the inspections occurred just outside the park boundary in the village of Joshua Tree, which is adjacent to the park's Joshua Tree Visitor Center. On the day of inspection, rangers and CHP officers examined three commercial buses. All were found to be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and were released without citation. One park commercial use licensee (non-tour bus) was given a verbal warning by a ranger for violation of their permit. This was the second unannounced inspection this year. [Jennie Albrinck, Public Affairs Officer]
On Thursday, April 2nd, a 17-year-old hiker became wedged between rocks while scrambling in the Johnson Canyon area of the park. The incident was reported to 911 late in the afternoon. Several agencies responded, including Morongo Basin Ambulance, Twentynine Palms Fire Department, Marine Corps Air and Ground Combat Center Fire and Rescue, and National Park Service search and rescue rangers and volunteers. During the six-hour rescue, a mechanical advantage system was applied to no avail, requiring the MCAGCC team to utilize a pneumatic chisel. The hiker was successfully freed and walked out on his own, with only minor scrapes and bruises. "It's great to have the relationships the park has with other local agencies," said Mike Shuman, park ranger and IC. "Their equipment and expertise was key in the rescue and the favorable outcome." [George Land, Public Information Officer]
A 73-year-old Louisiana woman suffered a fatal heart attack while hiking with family on the 49 Palms Oasis trail on Monday, July 27th. Park staff, Joshua Tree National Park Search and Rescue, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and members of the Twentynine Palms Fire Department responded and administered CPR, but the woman did not respond. Two other members of the hiking party were transported by Morongo Basin Ambulance and treated for heat-related issues at Hi Desert Medical Center. [George Land]
Search teams are continuing their efforts to find two missing hikers — R.N., 20, and J.O., 21 — who have not been seen since they headed out on a hike last Thursday. Searchers finished clearing more commonly used trails on Sunday and moved on to rocky elevations. The terrain is unsafe and the temperatures are so high that it's been slow going for the search teams. Two searchers were pulled off the hunt on Sunday as they showed symptoms of heat sickness; a San Bernardino County rescue helicopter flew them out. Canine teams have also been called in and are in the field. The searchers are also coping with changing terrain thanks to the monsoonal rains that fell on the park this past month. Source: News story, Hi-Desert Star.
Search teams have been looking since July 28th for two missing hikers — R.N., 20, and J.O., 21 — who have not been seen since they headed out on a hike on July 27th. Efforts to find them have so far been fruitless and have been scaled back. A special regional overhead team made up of investigators from Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon have arrived on scene to assist. Drone specialists from Grand Canyon have joined JOSAR canine teams to continue the search whenever current scorching temperatures permit. At its height, the search involved units from the NPS, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, JOSAR, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, the Bureau of Land Management, Orange County Sheriff's Department, San Diego County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, US Border Patrol, and the California Rescue Dog Association. The couple's vehicle was found at the trailhead of a popular hiking trail known as the Maze Loop. Anyone who might have been hiking or stopping in the area and recalls seeing a couple in their early twenties or has other pertinent information about the two are asked to contact San Bernardino Dispatch at 909 383-5652. Source: News release, Joshua Tree NP.
Over four weeks have passed since searchers began looking for R.N. and J.O., a couple who have not been seen since they headed out on a hike on July 27th. With thousands of hours of search time by hundreds of searchers resulting in few leads, the National Park Service and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department have entered into what is known as a limited continuous search mode. During this phase of the search, agencies will continue to methodically search areas of high probability within the park whenever sufficient resources are available. They lack the staff and resources to carry on the search with the same intensity as during the initial phase. The families of the missing pair have asked the public for help in finding them. They are offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that leads to the successful and safe return of R.N. and J.O. It is their hope that the missing party may have left on their own accord and are alive somewhere outside the park. The couple's vehicle was found at the trailhead of a popular hiking trail known as the Maze Loop. Those who might have been hiking or stopping in the area and recall seeing a couple in their early twenties or having other pertinent information about the two are asked to contact San Bernardino Dispatch at 909-383-5652 and request the detective division. Source: News release, Joshua Tree NP.
The deaths of the couple who disappeared in the park nearly three months ago have been ruled a murder-suicide. Investigators say J.O., 22, shot and killed his girlfriend, R.N., 20, and then turned the gun on himself. Investigators recovered a handgun at the scene. J.O. and R.N. were reported missing on July 28th after a bed-and-breakfast owner in the Morongo Basin. The proprietor told the sheriff's department that they might have gone hiking in the park that morning. Authorities found their car near a trailhead that day and began searching for the couple. At the outset, 250 people were involved in the search operation, along with aircraft, dog teams and horse teams. Together, they spent more than 2,100 hours looking for the couple. The search was subsequently scaled back. On October 15th, a ranger found the bodies inside a steep canyon far to the north of the Maze Loop Trailhead. Source: News story, Los Angeles Times.
Hiker P.H., 54, missing for five days, was found by park SAR personnel on Thursday, March 15th. P.H. left San Diego on Sunday, March 11th, to hike in the park, but never checked into the hotel room he'd reserved for that evening. His white pickup truck was found in the parking lot at the Maze Loop trailhead on Wednesday and a search was begun. P.H. was located in the search area, He was conscious and able to talk to rescuers, but the full extent of his injuries and physical condition had yet to be determined. He was evacuated by helicopter due to the rugged terrain and remote location and was taken to a local area hospital for evaluation and treatment. Source: Joshua Tree NP news release.
A recently-released autopsy fails to answer the mystery behind a murder-suicide at Joshua Tree last year, but provides some hints about how the young couple's trip unfolded. The remains of J.O., 21, and R.N., 20, were found last October 15th, nearly three months after they disappeared. Sheriff's detectives believe that J.O. shot R.N., whom he had previously dated, then turned the weapon on himself. Friends and O. family members have said they believe the murder-suicide was a result of desperation, not anger, and that the shooting happened only after the couple became lost in the sprawling park and ran out of food and water. The autopsy offers nothing to support or contradict that belief, but notes that the couple's remains were found only two miles or so from where they had parked their car, a fact that might suggest confusion. "Since we don't have any evidence to tell us why the shooting occurred, we are left to speculate," said a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. "Knowing that they rationed food, had no water, and were seeking shade certainly sheds light on the apparent dire circumstances." Source: Orange County Register.
A Twentynine Palms man appeared in federal court last Wednesday afternoon on a federal charge alleging that he illegally started a fire in the Oasis of Mara. The fire damaged historic trees and other park resources in a two-and-a-half acre area behind the Oasis Visitor Center on Monday, March 26th. Rangers arrested G.W.G., 26, of Twentynine Palms, at the scene of the fire. G.W.G. was observed watching the blaze and admitted to law enforcement officers that he started the fire. According to court records, G.W.G. was known both to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department and the National Park Service as a California arson parolee, with prior law enforcement contacts with both state and federal authorities. Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint against G.W.G. that charges him with unlawfully setting timber afire, a felony offense punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. G.W.G. is being detained in federal custody pending his next court appearance, which will be on April 11th. The investigation is being conducted by the National Park Service, with assistance from the United States Bureau of Land Management, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, and the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Source: Joshua Tree National Park.
A search has been mounted for D.S., 76, who was declared missing in the park this past Monday. D.S. began hiking toward Johnny Lang Canyon from Quail Springs Road around 8:45 a.m. on Saturday. He left a note on his car saying that if he had not returned by Sunday, he would need assistance. Park staff found this note around 8 p.m. Saturday and launched the search for D.S. about 6:45 a.m. on Monday. D.S.'s daughter told the national park he had significant health problems that required medication and that he was declared legally blind. About 50 searchers and two K-9 teams are looking for D.S. on the ground, and the California Highway Patrol is providing air support. D.S. is 5 feet, 8 inches tall with red hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip line at (888) 294-3666. Source: Hi-Desert Star.
The search for a missing 76-year-old hiker reported in the last issue ended happily when searchers found him around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24th, his third day in the park. D.S. was conscious and talking when searchers made contact with him in the Johnny Lang Canyon area. He was not on a marked trail, but was in the general area he mentioned in a note left in his car on the morning of April 21st. A California Highway Patrol helicopter crew flew him to the Quail Springs parking lot near the Joshua Tree entrance to the park. From there, Morongo Basin Ambulance took him to Hi-Desert Medical Center. His current condition is not known. D.S. began hiking toward Johnny Lang Canyon from Quail Springs Road around 8:45 a.m. on Saturday. He left a note saying that he would need help if he had not returned by Sunday. Rangers saw this his car was still in the lot on 8 p.m. and found the note. When he failed to return as forecast, a search was begun. D.S.'s daughter, who lives in Oregon, told searchers that he had significant health problems that required medication and that he was legally blind, though he could still see. About 50 searchers and two K-9 teams set out to look for D.S. on the ground; the California Highway Patrol provided air support. Source: Hi-Desert Star.
A New Zealand tramper (hiker) was found and rescued by searchers on May 26th. C.N., 36, had intended to hike to the park's Lost Palms Oasis. She told a friend about her plans, but failed to return as scheduled on Wednesday, May 23rd, and was reported missing two days later. Her vehicle was found in the parking lot at the Lost Palms Oasis/Mastodon Peak trailhead. Searchers began a search and found C.N., who was suffering from a shattered pelvis, after she was able to make a distress signal that was seen by a helicopter crew. She was flown to hospital for treatment. Source: Radio New Zealand.
A woman was shot and injured by a BLM officer who was assisting rangers with an off-roading incident in the area of Berdoo Canyon Road near Indio Hills on the evening of Sunday, June 10th. A preliminary investigation revealed that BLM officers came to the area to assist rangers with an illegal off-roading and failure to yield investigation. A BLM officer attempted to stop the off-roading vehicle and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The woman in the off-roading vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A man was detained at the scene. The identities of the suspects have not been released. The BLM officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on administrative leave. The officer's name has not been released. The investigation is ongoing. Source: KESQ News.
The following are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter: Joshua Tree NP — A federal judge has sentenced a Twentynine Palms man to five years in federal prison for setting a fire at the Oasis of Mara in Joshua Tree National Park. G.G., 26, was arrested in the park in the late hours of March 28th, the day the fire was started, when park rangers found him watching the blaze. Investigators determined the fire was arson. When he started the blaze, G.G. was on parole for two prior arson convictions, which had together resulted in a four-year prison sentence. Source: Palm Springs Desert Sun.
A severe storm on the night of Friday, October 12th, caused major road damage in and around the park. Power and internet services were knocked out at many park buildings and numerous closures were put into effect due to severe flood damage. All dirt roads in the park were closed. In the Cottonwood area, inbound and outbound roads, the visitor center and campground were all closed. Pinto Basin Road was closed and was expected to remain closed for several days. While the west entrance remains open, entry was not recommended due to debris clearance underway in the area. Electrical power was off at Black Rock. As of the last report on Sunday, staff were continuing their efforts to clean up of roads and facilities. Source: Joshua Tree National Park.
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter: Joshua Tree NP — The park continues to recover from the severe storm and flooding reported in the last issue. Cottonwood Campground (Loop B) has reopened, as has the park access from I-10 via Pinto Basin Road. Cottonwood Oasis Trail and the parking lot at the trailhead will remain closed until further notice. Source: Joshua Tree NP.
Fortune — The magazine offers a general overview of the problems that the shutdown is causing, with reference to the problems noted above at Joshua Tree NP, the trash and human waste piling up in Yosemite NP due to overused restrooms with few employees to maintain them, and the state of Utah paying to keep five national parks there open. It quotes a resident of Yosemite on the situation there: "It's so heartbreaking. There is more trash and human waste and disregard for the rules than I've seen in my four years living here." Source: Fortune.
As of today, the government has been shut down for 26 days, a new record for shutdowns. The huge sign that appeared recently on the side of the federal building in San Francisco about sums up the perspective of federal workers regarding this ongoing fiasco — "Sorry, We're Shut Down. Tantrum In Progress." Here's a summary of media stories about its impacts on the national parks that have appeared over the past week, grouped under four headings. The National Parks — Articles on the effects of the shutdown on several specific National Park Service areas: Joshua Tree NP — "Facing a huge staffing shortage, Joshua Tree National Park employees are unable to police the land, which spans nearly 800,000 acres of Southern California," reports the Huffington Post. "Now, workers say they have noticed illegal roads and chopped down trees, the work of vandals who likely were able to wreak havoc on the area because of Washington's ongoing dysfunction." The trees were cut by ORV users so that they could access environmentally sensitive areas. Source: Amy Russo, Huffington Post.
An interagency search effort for a missing San Diego man came to a conclusion on March 1st when his remains were found in the Pine City area of the park. M.K., 43, was last heard from around midday on February 26th. Friends located his vehicle in the Pine City backcountry board parking lot and notified rangers on Thursday, February 28th. A search was immediately begun and his campsite and personal items were found. His body was located the next day. Participating in the operation were the park SAR team, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Riverside County Search and Rescue and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. An investigation into the cause of death is being handled by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Source: George Land, Joshua Tree NP.
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter: Joshua Tree NP — Family and friends have returned to the park to resume searching for Canadian visitor P.M., 51, who disappeared while on a hike during a two-week visit to the park with his wife S.M. last July. Although they expressed their gratefulness to park staff and others who have already helped in the search for P.M., they said that they're not giving up their efforts to find him. More information on their efforts can be found on this Facebook page. Source: Tom Tucker, KESQ News.
D.N., a 31-year-old Namibian national who'd become separated from his hiking companion on Wednesday, May 15th, was found alive and well on Thursday afternoon. A search was launched that day by rangers, JOSAR (the park's SAR team), and personnel from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. The search was called off after sundown and renewed again Thursday morning around 6 am. D.N. contacted campers on Thursday morning. They drove him to a restaurant in Twentynine Palms, where he was met by members of the search team. When they arrived, they found him enjoying his first meal in some time. Agencies who participated the park in the search were California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue and Joshua Tree National Park Search and Rescue. Source: George Land, Joshua Tree NP.
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter: Joshua Tree NP — Last year, a report appeared in this newsletter about two people — A.S. of Joshua Tree and Marine Corps 1st Lt. C.L.K. of Twentynine Palms — being charged with the murder of H.S., then being released while the case underwent further review. C.L.K. was subsequently rearrested and charged with H.S.'s murder last December. Last month, A.S. was rearrested and charged with being an accessory in the murder; she confessed to helping C.L.K. bury the body. Investigators believe C.L.K. beat H.S. to near-death in H.S.'s garage. The murder evidently stemmed from a love triangle. Source: Valley News.
A hiker who broke off from his group on the 49 Palms Oasis Trail and headed off trail on his own was rescued by the park's SAR team on the night of Thursday, June 25th. The park was notified of the lost man around 5 p.m. and quickly mobilized the team. He was found just after 7:30 p.m. and was okay despite the prevailing high temperatures. The 49 Palms Oasis Trail is considered 'moderately strenuous' and takes approximately two to three hours to hike, with a 300-foot climb each way. Source: KESQ News.
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter. Joshua Tree NP — Human remains found in the park last month have been confirmed to be those of P.M., who was the subject of a search when he disappeared while hiking alone in July 2018. His remains were found near the 29 Palms Oasis Trail. Source: Guelph Mercury Tribune.
H.K., 28, from Tucson, was hiking alone in the Indian Cove area on the afternoon of March 7th when he fell about ten feet off a large rock and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. H.K. was able to call 911 on his cellphone. Rescue workers from the San Bernardino County fire department, Morongo Basin ambulance and the park soon arrived on scene. They determined that his injuries and the surrounding terrain would necessitate a helicopter rescue. The pilot hovered about 70 feet above H.K. as the crew chief lowered one of the air medics to H.K. The medic assessed his injuries and was able to place him into a rescue harness. He was then hoisted into the helicopter and flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment. Source: Hi-Desert Star.
A summary of recent openings, closures and other changes in the status of parks and their facilities, Joshua Tree NP — Due to rain and flash flood activity on March 12th, the park closed Pinto Basin Road, all dirt roads, and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. Additional roads and infrastructure in the park are subject to closure due to weather impacts. Although the visitor center has reopened, efforts are still underway to reopen park roads. Dirt roads may be closed for several days for repairs. Source: National Park Service.
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter. Joshua Tree NP — The remains of Canadian visitor P.M., 51, who disappeared in July, 2018, and was the object of an extended search, have been found along with some personal items. The cause of death has not been revealed. Source: Donna Miller, Gruntstuff.com.
This week's update consists of a random sampling of reports on park reopenings extracted from various news source: Joshua Tree NP — The park was so packed on Memorial Day weekend that people were pitching tents on the side of the road and in day-use-only areas. Many of the license plates were from out of state. Most people were not wearing masks or staying six feet apart on trails For information on the status of other parks in the system, go to the Service's "Active Alerts In Parks" webpage and use the search engine to find information on a particular site. Sources: Krista Langlois, National Geographic; KTVH News; KOMO News.
R.R. was hiking in the park in late July when he fell and broke his femur. In excruciating pain, he couldn't get himself out of the rocky terrain he found himself in. R.R. spent 40 hours in the desert, waiting for help, during which time he recorded himself yelling for help and talking about being stranded. But R.R. had done all the right things before leaving for his hike — he tagged his location and shared it with his son and brought two liters of water with him. He ate juniper berries to survive. After nearly two days, R.R. was finally found by searchers, who airlifted him to a hospital. R.R. says he looks forward to hiking again once his broken leg heals. Source: CBS News.
A 20-year-old man, hiking with a friend in temperatures estimated to have reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit, died in the park on Saturday. The young man's friend reported that he was unconscious and in need of immediate aid in the Turkey Flats area of the park on Saturday evening. Park responders located the two men near the base of Pinto Mountain at approximately 11:30 pm. Rangers administered CPR but were unable to revive the man. He was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. on Sunday the Riverside County coroner. The hiker's body was airlifted by Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Temperatures in the area were estimated to have reached approximately 120 degrees. Source: National Parks Traveler.
On September 30, a car with one driver and two other passengers on board drifted and lost control on Park Boulevard. The car overturned and came to rest on its roof. A 29-year-old passenger was partially ejected and died of injuries at the scene. It appeared the victim was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the California Highway Patrol. A 27-year-old passenger suffered suspected minor injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injury or death, and other charges. The driver is being held in West Valley Detention Center and the cause of the incident is still under investigation. Source: Hi-Desert Star
On January 17, a 35-year-old was found dead by two hikers at the base of the Sentinel Wall near Hidden Valley Nature Trail. The Riverside County Coroner's office said the rock climber likely died the evening before, and a friend stated that the individual was free soloing (climbing without rope or harness) on a route that he had climbed several times previously, both with and without a rope. The incident is still under investigation. Source: Desert Sun
On February 8, hikers found human remains adjacent to the Panorama Loop Trail. The remains are old and are being investigated as a homicide by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. A local radio station reported that a wallet was found with the name of a 66-year-old who was reported missing in the park in 2010, but the park and sheriffs have not disclosed that information officially. The investigation is ongoing. Source: Desert Sun
On March 26, a 51-year-old died while rock climbing near the Sheep Pass group campsite on a route known as "Turkey Terror." The victim had threaded a rope through a pre-established piece of webbing at the anchor station, and when they leaned back to rappel, the weathered webbing failed and they fell 80 feet. Source: Desert Sun
On May 26, two 18-year-old campers ignited dry brush, starting a fire they could not contain, near the intersection of Elk Trail and San Andreas Road in Yucca Valley. The Elk Fire burned about 263 acres, including part of the northwest corner of the park, before it was contained by fire crews. Deputies caught the two campers when they observed a car driving away from the scene as they arrived. The two individuals were arrested and are being held on bail. No structures were damaged in the fire. Source: NBC Los Angeles, KESQ
On July 4, a 57-year-old hiked several miles along the Boy Scout Trail before suffering a heat-related emergency. The individual called 911 and a helicopter crew, Air Rescue 308, initiated an extensive search. They eventually located the individual, who was laying down, and they then lifted the individual 175 feet into the aircraft and flew to the trailhead. Medics administered first aid and evaluated the individual, who was then transported to the hospital for further treatment and care. Source: KESQ
On August 8, monsoon storms caused severe flooding in the southern part of the park, resulting in the closure of the south boundary road, as well as a five-mile stretch of Pinto Basin Road between Porcupine Wash and Turkey Flats. Park staff evacuated all visitors from the area. As of August 9, the park was still assessing the conditions to determine the work needed to reopen them. Source: Joshua Tree National Park August 24, 2022 On August 16, the park experienced another heavy storm in the southern end of the park (see follow-ups below for information on first storm). As a result, several sections of Pinto Basin Road, the Geology Tour Road, Big Horn Pass Complex, and Cottonwood Campground were closed to assess and repair damage. As of August 23, Pinto Basin Road had reopened, but the other roads remained closed. Source: Joshua Tree National Park August 24, 2022 On August 10, the park reopened all roads that were affected by flash flooding on August 8. Source: AP News
On January 2, on the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, an individual's "heart stopped, possibly from a heart attack." CPR was initiated by friends and family and the patient was transported out of the park, but they passed away. Source: Desert Sun On January 7, a 50-year-old hiker was reported injured in the Rattlesnake Canyon area. The NPS and local sheriffs responded, including the dispatch of two helicopters to the area. A Sheriff's helicopter located the missing hiker and directed NPS, County Fire, and Morongo Basin Ambulance staff to the location. The individual had suffered serious injuries from a fall, including head trauma. There were no signs of foul play. The individual was extricated out of the steep, rocky terrain, then brought to the medical helicopter and transported to an area hospital. The individual was later declared deceased at the hospital. Source: Z107.7 News, Desert Sun February 22, 2023 On January 10, law enforcement attempted to make a stop of a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road within the park. The individual refused to pull over, and a pursuit began. NPS staff requested assistance from the local sheriff's office. The individual left the park, passing through the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms, then the Sheephole Valley Wilderness, before heading south on Route 177. The vehicle exceeded 100 miles per hour at times during the pursuit. Due to high winds, law enforcement was unable to use a helicopter. They eventually deployed a "Pursuit Intervention Technique," in which a patrol car physically impacts the suspect's car at a slow speed to force the individual to stop driving. After the vehicle was stopped, the 47-year-old driver refused to exit the vehicle. Deputies broke the car's windows and removed and arrested the individual for felony evasion. The individual received minor cuts from the broken glass. They were booked into the Morongo Basin Jail. Source: Z107.7 FM
On February 20, a 34-year-old was found guilty and sentenced for one misdemeanor count of illegally entering an archaeological resource in the park. The individual entered a rock shelter and walked over other features of the archaeology site at Barker Dam Petroglyphs, including a "milling station." The individual has been fined $540 and banned from all national parks for a year. Source: Desert Sun
On April 5, a 64-year-old was found unresponsive on "a remote hiking trail" in the park. NPS staff responded to the scene and determined the individual was deceased. A preliminary investigation indicated that they suffered a medical emergency while hiking and no signs of foul play were located. The Riverside County Sheriff's Deputies responded and the Coroner's Bureau took over the investigation. Source: Riverside County Sheriff
On March 8, several thefts from cars were made at the Hemingway parking lot. Later that day, two suspects used stolen credit cards from vehicle owners in a store in Palm Desert, California. Security footage of the suspects leaving the establishment have been provided to the public and the park is looking for tips. Source: National Parks Traveler
A 25-year-old was dropped off at Black Rock Campground on April 30 for a backpacking trip. On May 5, the individual was supposed to complete their trip and failed to arrive. They were reported overdue that day by the party that was supposed to pick them up. A missing person investigation and search and rescue are ongoing. The search includes NPS staff, the JOSAR team, Bureau of Land Management, a California Highway Patrol helicopter, and drones from the United States Marine Corps. The park is looking for any information the public might have. Source: Joshua Tree National Park
The missing individual last seen April 30 at Black Rock Campground (see 5/10/23 Coalition Report) is still missing after an extensive multiagency search. On June 6, the search entered a "limited and continuous" phase. Source: KESQ
On June 10, a wildfire started in the area of Geology Tour Road. Staff from the Bureau of Land Management, NPS Fire, and CalFire responded, including several helicopter resources. As of June 17, the Geology Fire was 100% contained at 1,088 acres. Several areas nearby are currently closed to hiking, and staff are continuing to check for heat and starting to assess rehabilitation needs. Source: Desert Sun, Inciweb
The park closed public access to the Covington Flats area from June 30 through July 5 due to extreme fire danger. The Covington Flats area "contains most of the important Joshua tree populations within the park." Source: Joshua Tree National Park
Most of the above parks announced preemptive closures between August 18-20 due predicted flooding from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hilary. It is the first official National Weather Service Tropical Storm Warning in history for the region. Source: KTLA, Desert Sun, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Manzanar National Historic Site Joshua Tree reopened on August 22 for day use, only. Road crews are still clearing roads of sand and further assessments and repairs of the campgrounds will take place later this week. Source: Joshua Tree National Park
A group of park researchers found an unattended backpack off a trail in the Black Rock area, later confirmed as belonging to a 25-year-old hiker who went missing in May 2023 (see 5/10/23 and 6/7/23 Coalition Reports). On January 25, park staff found human skeletal remains in the area. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office and Coroner's Bureau was called to the scene and is handling the investigation. The official identity of the deceased individual and the cause of death have not yet been determined. Source: Joshua Tree National Park
On June 8, an unleashed dog was "spooked by his surroundings" and ran off in the early morning. The owners reported the pet missing that day. The following day, NPS staff received report of a dog stuck on rock formations near Jumbo Rocks Campground. NPS staff and Joshua Tree Search and Rescue members responded to the dog's location. It was stuck on a ledge and "in poor condition due to dehydration." The rescue team was able to give the dog water and lift it off the ledge. It was picked up by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, who were able to reunite the dog with its owners. The owners were issued a violation notice by the park. Source: Joshua Tree National Park
On June 9, two individuals were hiking the Ladder Canyon Trail in 103-degree heat when they ran out of water. Shortly thereafter, one of the individuals called emergency services asking for help because the other was weak with dehydration. Riverside County (CA) Sheriff's Aviation flew a helicopter to their location. An EMT was lowered to assess the situation, then they hoisted both individuals out of the area. The one who was dehydrated was "rushed to the hospital due to [their] severe condition." The other received unspecified medical care from an ambulance. Source: Backpacker
On August 4, a park ranger patrolling the Jumbo Rocks Campground noticed fresh paintball splatter on structures and signs. Law enforcement investigated further and found a slingshot in plain view inside a vehicle. While being interviewed, three visitors admitted to firing paintballs with a compressed paintball gun and slingshots at signs, bathrooms, and dumpsters throughout the park the night before. Paintball guns and slingshots are considered weapons and prohibited from NPS lands. Each individual was issued a federal violation notice for vandalizing, defacing, or destroying property. The park's maintenance staff are working to clean up the facilities that were damaged in the incident. Source: Joshua Tree National Park
On August 20, the park closed the Cottonwood visitor center, parking area, restrooms, and campground due to increased bee activity. As water becomes scarce, the bees seek water sources, including condensation from air conditioners, bathrooms, and sweat on visitors. Several visitors reported getting attacked by bees in the area. The closure has since been lifted. Source: Los Angeles Times, Joshua Tree National Park Alerts and Conditions
A 38-year-old who is well-known in the rock climbing community as an athlete, brand ambassador, and instructor has been charged with nine felony sexual assault charges with three victims. The incidents were said to take place between 2019 and 2023, in Pacifica, California, the Presidio (GGNRA), at Joshua Tree, and in Yosemite. On November 27, the individual pleaded "not guilty" to all charges and was released on $500,000 bail. The suspect will have their next court appearance on December 16. Source: ABC7 | |