Photo: One of the search teams looking for Joshua Miller
Over the past week, January 23-29th, the Sheriff’s Office Forest Patrol and Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers handled a high volume of calls ranging from stranded hikers and mountain bikers to missing persons and vehicle accidents.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Search operations continue near Arcosanti for Joshua Flaig Miller, who was reported missing earlier this month. Over the past few days, dozens of SAR volunteers and the YCSO Forest Patrol deputies have performed intensive grid searches near I-17 to the Agua Fria River and surrounding areas. While teams have achieved a high probability of detection in these segments, no new leads have been discovered.
Mountain and Trail Rescues
On Friday, January 23, units responded to Forest Road 68 near the Verde Rim after two mountain bikers became too exhausted to continue. The individuals lacked adequate water, food, and clothing for the conditions. SAR teams successfully located them using Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) and provided transport to safety.
On Saturday, January 24, two separate rescues were launched simultaneously in the Sedona area during cold, rainy weather. In both incidents—one at Devil’s Bridge involving two females and another at Soldier Pass involving a married couple—the subjects were lost without food or water. All parties were located safely by Verde Search and Rescue (VSAR).
Deputies also responded to a rollover accident on Bloody Basin Road at Tangle Creek involving two children. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan picked up the occupants and drove them toward I-17, where they were met by deputies and medically cleared.
In a collaborative effort on Saturday, deputies worked with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to locate a disoriented man walking on Forest Road 24. The subject, who had been reported missing that morning, was spotted by air support and transported to a hospital.
Safety Reminder
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that some of the rescues involved individuals who were under-prepared for the terrain and weather. When heading into the backcountry, always carry more water and food than you expect to need, bring adequate clothing for sudden temperature drops or rain, and ensure your cell phone is fully charged. These simple precautions can be the difference between a minor delay and a life-threatening emergency.
