August 16, 2023 - Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Tuesday, Deputy Reyna responded to the Pacheco Pass area for a hunter who was lost. The lost hunter told Dispatch that he was exhausted and hot. Dispatch Supervisor Austin obtained his location and dispatched Sergeant Hibdon, Deputy Reyna, Deputy Dhami, and K9 Bingo to the area.

Dispatch Supervisor Austin stayed in contact with him and helped him stay calm while the search began. Deputy Dhami began a K9 track with Bingo from the hunter's truck. Deputies and K9 Bingo were able to locate the man sitting under a tree approximately a mile and a half from where his truck was parked. Deputies Dhami and Reyna escorted the man to a small ravine where Sergeant Hibdon was waiting to pick them up and drive the Deputies and the man back to his vehicle.

We're so thankful that this hunter was found uninjured. Great job by our Dispatch, Sergeant, Deputies, and K9 Bingo!

Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff's Office