MISSING BEND MAN FOUND NEAR CHINA HAT BUTTE

News Release from Deschutes Co. Sheriff’s Office
Posted on FlashAlert: March 14th, 2016 9:36 PM
Released by: Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Manager
Sgt. Ronny Dozier, SAR Operations Manager

Mentioned: Joshua Tharin Richardson, Bend resident

NARRATIVE:

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputies continued to search for Richardson throughout the day today with the assistance of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Troopers and United States Forest Service Law Enforcement. This search included an aerial search from Life Flight.

At approximately 7:30 PM, we received information that Richardson was stuck in the area north of China Hat Butte off of Forest Service Road 18 (SE of Bend). Voice and text communication was made with Richardson and it was learned he had become stuck in deep snow.

Two Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Troopers and a Deputy responded to the area. He was found to be in good condition and assisted out of the area.

Properly Equip Your Vehicle

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people that traveling on unmaintained forest service roads can be hazardous. We ask people to always tell someone where you are going, ensure your vehicle is properly equipped and prepared for winter conditions, and avoid back country travel alone.

Here is a list of essential items in case you get stranded:

  • Extra food and water
  • Warm clothing, blankets and/or a sleeping bag
  • Flashlight and a headlamp
  • Highway flares and light sticks
  • Safety vest
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Shovel
  • Tools and booster/jumper cables
  • Work gloves
  • Maps and a compass/GPS

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for the information provided in our search for Mr. Richardson. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our partners: Oregon State Police, United States Forest Service, and Life Flight.