Search teams swept the rugged hills around Lake Poway yesterday after a hiker failed to return home, turning a routine weekend outing on a popular trail into an urgent search that now involves the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Division.
What officials announced
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that investigators from its Major Crimes Division were joining volunteer members of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team for operations in and around the Lake Poway trail system on Saturday. The release lists Lt. Juan Marquez as the media contact and includes a Major Crimes Division phone number for tips, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
Details officials shared
Lt. Juan Marquez told reporters the missing hiker is believed to have gone missing on the trail and never returned home or contacted family. Officials have not released the person’s age or gender, and no additional details about when the hiker was last seen or the circumstances surrounding the disappearance were made public, as reported by 10News.
Why Major Crimes is handling the case
Marquez told City News Service that the Major Crimes Division typically steps in on missing person investigations when someone has been gone for more than 30 days or when a case is considered suspicious, a policy meant to steer more complex or potentially criminal situations to detectives. Major Crimes Division takes missing persons cases usually when someone has been missing for over 30 days, Marquez wrote in an email, according to 10News.
Where searchers were concentrating
Crews focused on the web of trails around Lake Poway, a city-run reservoir that routinely draws walkers and day hikers to its loop trail and scenic viewpoints. The recreation area, at 14644 Lake Poway Road, includes several trailheads and connector routes that can lead into steep or brush-covered terrain, according to the City of Poway.
How to report tips
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call the Major Crimes Division at 858-285-6330 or email Lt. Juan Marquez at [email protected]. Investigators also asked the public to stay clear of the active search area while crews are working and to report any potential sightings or relevant footage through the listed phone number, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
