Sheriff's deputy, helicopter rescue stranded family

BARSTOW • The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department rescued a Hesperia family that was trapped in the desert Monday.

Deputy Charles Gross was able to locate and help the family, an unidentified married couple and an 8-year-old, dislodge their 2003 Ford Expedition after it became stuck on a hillside in the Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area on Monday afternoon. The family escaped the incident without injuries or damage to their vehicle and were able to drive home, according to Sgt. Rod Medley.

“(Gross) has experience out there and knows the area,” Medley said. “When the call came in he said he thought he knew the area from the husband’s description. He took a four-wheel drive (vehicle) out there and helped them.”

Medley said the family exited Interstate 15 at Outlet Center Drive and went to the Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area to go off-roading. The husband drove the sports utility vehicle an hour into the desert until it became stuck at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Medley said the family didn’t have any food or water with them, and the wife and 8-year-old started walking back to Interstate 15, approximately three miles away, to try to get help. The husband was able to get cell service after they left and dialed 911.

A Sheriff’s helicopter and Gross responded to the 911 call. Gross and the husband freed his SUV, while the helicopter picked up the wife and 8-year-old, according to Medley. The helicopter landed in the desert and the family was reunited.

“Hopefully they learned to be prepared and to know the limits of your vehicle,” Medley said. “It’s always important to have food and water with you when you go into the desert.”

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or dheldreth@desertdispatch.com