DATE/TIME: Saturday, December 11, 2021 / 6:00 p.m.
INCIDENT: Night Vision Goggle Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Bonita Falls, Lytle Creek, CA
SUSPECT(S): N/A
VICTIM(S): Bradley Holmes, 26-years-old, San Bernardino, CA
SUMMARY: On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Holmes went hiking at Bonita Falls in Lytle Creek. During the hike, Holmes went off trail and became lost and stuck in the terrain. As it got dark, he was not able to re-locate the trail and became concerned he would get injured trying to find his way out. Holmes placed a 911 call, requesting help, stating he did not have any water or food.
Sheriff’s Desert Patrol Helicopter, 40-KING-4, was dispatched to the area to look for Holmes. The crew arrived and located him in steep, rocky terrain. The crew attempted to guide him back to the trail, however the terrain was too steep and dangerous due to darkness. The crew determined a hoist rescue would be needed to get Holmes to safety.
40-KING-4 hoisted a medic down to Holmes and secured him into a rescue harness. Once Holmes was secured, he was hoisted to the helicopter, then flown to a nearby field where he was dropped off to a Fontana Station deputy. The crew returned and hoisted the medic back to the helicopter.
Due to the time of night and mountainous terrain, the crew had to use night vision goggles during the hoist rescue.
40-KING-4 Crew: Pilot - Deputy Paul Kowalski
Crew Chief - Deputy Cody Korkotsakis
Hoist Rider/Medic - Landon Gilbertson
Refer: Cody Korkotsakis, Deputy
Station: Emergency Operations Division - Aviation Unit
Phone No. (909)252-4100
Case No. 032103230
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
