‘Great team effort’: OSP, Linn County SAR, K-9 team rescue lost motorist near Hwy. 20; winter travel prep urged
LINN COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The rescue of a motorist who left her car along Highway 20 in Linn County Wednesday morning and had walked about a mile prompted reminders from the two agencies involved that winter travelers need to be prepared and exercise caution.
Around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife trooper encountered a vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 20 near milepost 68 and quickly determined the person associated with the vehicle was lost and in distress, OSP said.
The 30-year-old woman had left her vehicle for unknown reasons and walked up a nearby U.S. Forest Service road, troopres said
Linn County Sheriff's Search and Rescue and an OSP Fish and Wildlife K-9 team responded to assist in the search.
K-9 Scout tracked the individual and finally located her about a mile from the vehicle. Troopers remained with her, built a fire and provided food and emergency blankets until SAR members arrived with a snow-cat to bring her back to the highway.
Medics from the Sweet Home Fire Department transported the woman to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
While the rescue was underway, the Linn County Sheriff's Office received two additional calls from motorists stranded on forest roads in the snow.
Sheriff Michelle Duncan said, "This is a good reminder for motorists to always have a plan and adequate equipment if traveling or recreating in the snow."
She continued, "Always let a friend or family member know your destination and carry a cellphone or rescue beacon. It's always a good idea to keep your car winter-ready with safety items such as extra blankets or warm clothing, extra food and water, a first aid kit, and other survival items."
Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy said, "Winter weather can be unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. This rescue was a great team effort, and we are grateful this individual was quickly located and transported to safety."
