Pair of San Bernardino County K9s Help Locate Critically Missing Woman After 200-Foot Fall into Ravine
- 17GEN4
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Running Springs, Calif. — A pair of highly trained bloodhounds from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department played a pivotal role Saturday in rescuing a 49-year-old woman who had fallen approximately 200 feet down a steep ravine in the rugged terrain near Running Springs, authorities said.
The woman, described as a vulnerable adult with a traumatic brain injury, had walked away from her home and failed to return, prompting deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Twin Peaks Station to launch a search in the 9000 block of Old City Creek Road. Time was of the essence, as officials noted: “Every second mattered. A missing, vulnerable adult with a traumatic brain injury walked away from home and didn’t return.”
Deputies were quickly joined by two specialized K9 teams from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department — part of the broader San Bernardino County Sheriff’s resources — including K9 Naji, handled by Deputy Bakker, and K9 Keva, handled by Deputy Jasso (also known as Deputy Gabe Jasso in prior operations).According to a news release from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, K9 Naji initially set the track, picking up the woman’s scent. K9 Keva then took over, following the trail along a nearby horse path for about half a mile before diverting sharply down into the steep ravine. There, Deputy Jasso heard the woman calling for help, leading rescuers directly to her location.
The woman had suffered a significant fall of around 200 feet, leaving her in a position inaccessible by ground crews due to the treacherous terrain and her medical condition. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 306 responded, hoisting her from the ravine via helicopter for immediate medical transport.The successful operation highlighted the critical role of scent-tracking K9s in search-and-rescue missions across San Bernardino County’s vast and often hazardous mountain and wilderness areas. Bloodhounds like Naji and Keva, known for their exceptional olfactory abilities, have assisted in numerous prior cases involving missing persons, including vulnerable adults and juveniles.
No further details on the woman’s current condition or identity were released, citing privacy concerns for the vulnerable adult. Officials praised the K9 handlers and the coordinated efforts between the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s personnel.Incidents like this underscore the dangers of the region’s steep canyons and trails, especially for individuals with medical conditions who may wander. Authorities encourage residents in similar situations to ensure loved ones with cognitive or mobility challenges have proper supervision and emergency contacts.
The pair of K9s have once again demonstrated why they are considered indispensable members of local law enforcement teams, turning what could have been a tragic outcome into a life-saving rescue.
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