DATE/TIME: Friday, January 13, 2023 / 7:30 p.m.
INCIDENT: Search for Missing Hiker
LOCATION: Baldy Bowl Area of Mt. Baldy
MISSING PERSON(S): Julian Sands, 65-years-old, Resident of North Hollywood
**********UPDATE*************
Friday, January 20, 2023 / 4:00 p.m.
The search for Julian Sands continues via helicopter only. Evidence of avalanches was observed earlier in the week on the west side of the slopes and ground search and rescue efforts continue to be held back.
Additional air searches will be conducted, however, there is no set time or duration for the searches.
The pings from January 14th and 15th were delayed and showed Sands’ movement on January 13th.
Detectives are working with California Office of Emergency Services, who have additional cell phone forensic technology, to pinpoint an exact location. Thus far, no workable leads have been developed.
There are no further details to release at this time.
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SUMMARY: On Friday, January 13, 2023, at about 7:30 p.m., a hiker, identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood, was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of Mt. Baldy. Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue crews responded and began a search.
On January 15, 2023, phone pings showed Sands to be heading to the Mount Baldy area. Additional phone pings from the cell provider were attempted but were unsuccessful, due to the lack of cell service and most likely cell phone power failure. A delayed ping through Sands’ Apple iPhone operating system, from January 14, 2023, provided a possible location on one of the trails leading to the summit of Mount Baldy. This area was checked by ground searchers and by helicopter. Ground and air searchers were unable to locate any evidence in this area that would assist in locating Mr. Sands. Because of avalanche risks and trail conditions, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening. However, the search continues by helicopter and drones when the weather permits. Additional ground searches will be scheduled when the weather improves, and it is safe for our rescue crews.
The Sheriff’s Department urges everyone to stay away from that area. It is extremely dangerous even for the skilled hiker. Current weather conditions and low cloud coverage makes it very difficult to deploy resources to that area when a hiker goes missing. When we do deploy resources, the weather plays a huge factor on what resources we can use.
Refer: Detective B. Meelker
Station: Fontana
Phone No. 909-356-6710
Case No. 032300120
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
