Injured Lost Hiker and his Dog Found
October 3rd, 2009 | Published in In the News, Search
Sonoma County Sheriff’s Press Release
On Saturday, 10/03/09, at approximately 6:50PM, deputies were dispatched to the area of Muniz Ranch Road just north of downtown Jenner for a missing injured hiker. A resident in the 3800 block of Muniz Ranch Road reported that his roommate, Jonathan Hughes, 53 years old, went for a hike with his dog (Kobi) at around 4:00 PM today. At around 6:45PM, Hughes contacted his roommate, via handheld two way radio saying that he had twisted his knee and needed help. Hughes also reported that he was lost somewhere off of a fire trail near a bridge. Deputies responded to the area, along with Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman and the Sheriff’s Helicopter, Henry 1. Temperatures were dipping into the low 50’s, it was extremely windy and darkness had set in. Hughes was not dressed for the weather. After about a 45 minute search, Pilot Paul Bradley located Hughes and his dog, Kobi, using his night vision goggles. Henry-1 directed Sgt. Raasch and Deputy Mauro with their 4X4 vehicle to Hughes’ location. Hughes was found off of a seldom used fire road approximately six miles from his house. Hughes did not require any immediate medical aid and he and his dog were given a ride home.
