Full Notification

DATE/TIME: February 3, 2015 2:37 a.m.

INCIDENT: Search and Rescue of Stranded Motorist

LOCATION: Desert Area Southeast of Ludlow, CA

VICTIM: Morris Berger-Poll, 19, a Canadian citizen


SUMMARY: On February 3, 2015, at 2:37 a.m., Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call from Riverside County Sheriff’s Department regarding a lost subject in the area of Amboy, CA. Additional information revealed this subject, later identified as 19 year old Morris Berger-Poll, had crashed his car in the desert, but did not know exactly where he was. Deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to the area and conducted an extensive search, however, could not locate him. Morongo Station deputies believed Berger-Poll may be in the Barstow Station jurisdiction and requested assistance.

Deputy Tommy Dickey from the Barstow Station responded and determined Berger-Poll was east of Ludlow and south approximately eight to ten miles. Deputy Dickey was unable to drive to Berger-Poll’s location due to the desert terrain and lack of appropriate off-road equipment at the time. By this time, dawn was approaching and deputies decided to wait until daylight to better see desert conditions.

Deputy Christopher Hancock responded with a 4x4 vehicle and began to search the general area. However, he also was unable to pin point Berger-Polls exact location. Deputies had been in phone contact with Berger-Poll, but Berger-Poll was unfamiliar with the area and was unable to direct deputies to his location. Berger-Poll also notified deputies he was uninjured, but becoming anxious.

Sheriff’s Department helicopter responded. Once in the area, the helicopter crew was able to locate Berger-Poll in a remote part of the desert and determined this area was actually part of the live fire range of the U.S. Marine Corps Air and Ground Combat Training Center, Twenty Nine Palms.

Due to the restricted air space, the helicopter crew was unable to fly close where Berger-Poll had become stuck, however, they noticed agents from the Provost Marshall’s Office (PMO) driving towards Berger-Poll. The helicopter crew coordinated with PMO’s, obtained authorization to land and picked up Berger-Poll. Berger-Poll was taken to Deputy Hancock, who then reunited him with family members. Deputies determined Berger-Poll was visiting family in Rancho Mirage and left without any reason.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Barstow Station, conducts dozen’s of Search and Rescue operations annually, where citizen’s drive off paved roads and onto dirt roads to avoid traffic or find short cuts. While this Search and Rescue ended without anyone hurt, this could have easily become much more tragic. The Barstow Station would like to remind driver’s to stay on marked, paved roads and avoid dirt roads and trails unless properly equipped.

Refer: Sgt. Matthew Griffith

Station: Barstow Station

Phone No. (760) 256-4838

Case No. 081500146

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department