DATE: January 23, 2023
INCIDENT: Search for Lost Hikers on Mt. Baldy
LOCATION: Mount Baldy
MISSING PERSON(S): Jin Chung, 75-year-old male, resident of Los Angeles
Julian Sands, 65-year-old male, resident of North Hollywood
SUMMARY: On January 22, 2023, personnel from Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station were requested to search for missing hiker, Jin Chung. Chung was last seen at approximately 6:00 a.m. Chung initially carpooled to Mt. Baldy with two others but separated from them when they arrived, with an understanding they would meet back at the vehicle at 2:00 p.m. The other hikers returned safely but Chung has not been seen or heard from.
Ground crews searched for Chung last night with negative results. The search continues today, weather permitting. A high wind warning is currently in place and has prohibited the use of helicopters.
UPDATE: The search for hiker Julian Sands, who went missing on Mt. Baldy on January 13, 2023, continued over the weekend. Helicopters and drones continued to use infrared devices during the search however, all were negative for any signs of Sands.
A high wind warning is currently in place and has prohibited the use of helicopters today. However, the ground search for Mr. Chung has allowed for a secondary search of some of the areas previously searched in the efforts to locate Mr. Sands. There are currently no further details for release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Public Affairs
Station: Fontana
Phone No. (909) 356-6767
Case No. 032100207 / 032300120
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
