The Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department was called in to find a man who wandered away from his campsite at Giant Rock in Landers Monday night. According to a Sheriff’s report, Robert “Manny” Chase, 32, of Hesperia, was camping at Giant Rock with his family when he became sad and he walked off about 10 p.m., which his family said was usual behavior when the conversation turned to his children. His family said he was also drunk. When Chase did not return by the morning, his family began looking for him. The Sheriff’s Department was contacted about 5:30 Tuesday when his family was unable to find him. Members for the Sheriff’s Aviation, K-9, and the Morongo Basin Search and Rescue organization began a search for Chase Wednesday, along with other Good Samaritans. Searchers received word that there were tracks and evidence that Chase may have been around Landers Elementary School. Search and Rescue began to track Chase’s tracks and he was located in a ditch north of Reche Road in Landers.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations to assist persons who become lost, stranded and/or injured in wilderness areas. The Department provides these services through several all-volunteer search and rescue teams. The Morongo Basin Search and Rescue Team is seeking volunteers to join. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff Station.
