DATE: Saturday, June 17, 2023
INCIDENT: Search for Julian Sands
LOCATION: Mt. Baldy
SUMMARY: On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continued ongoing search efforts in the Mount Baldy wilderness for missing hiker Julian Sands. Unfortunately, Mr. Sands was not located.
Saturday’s search included over 80 Search and Rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff. Their efforts were supported by two helicopters, and drone crews. Aviation resources inserted search teams into remote areas across Mount Baldy and conducted aerial search and assessments efforts. Additionally, drone crews searched areas inaccessible to ground crews.
Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions. Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10 plus feet of ice and snow.
Since January, the Sheriff’s Department has conducted eight searches (ground and air) specific to Mr. Sands, with volunteer searcher hours exceeding 500 hours. Additionally, eight unrelated search and rescue operations have been conducted in the Mount Baldy area.
Mr. Sands’ missing person case remains active and search efforts will continue in a limited capacity. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Detective B. Meelker with the Fontana Station at (909) 356-6710.
Refer: Public Affairs Division
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
Case No. 032300120
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
