On March 24, 2020 at approximately 5:25 PM, Tillamook County Communications District 911 received a call transfer from Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency of lost subjects in the forest. 2 vehicles had parked at a locked access gate and the occupants hiked into the forest. They had reported they would be hiking the Tillamook Burn. They reported they were “frozen and unable to move”. Search and Rescue was activated. Their vehicles were located, and a the search began at that point. At approximately 11:52 PM, their footprints were located and teams began trailing them. At approximately 3:30 AM, the 3 subjects, Alexander Meyers, Natalie Ladu, and Steven Harrigan were located.
No medical attention was required. Steven Harrigan, 45, was arrested for a felon in possession of a firearm Natalie Ladu 37, was arrested for a Washington County Warrant for Parole Violation and Possession of Methamphetamine. There were no charges brought against Alexander Meyers. Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Tillamook 911, Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) who all received information. Please remember that even if recreating at specified COVID-19 social distancing, that in the event you need rescue or medical assistance, you no longer are social distancing, and you place rescuers at risk and burden an emergency / medical system which is already being taxed.