UPDATE: Off-duty Forest Service firefighter reported missing in Big Bear area
UPDATE: 9/28/20:
Authorities announced that deputies are asking for information regarding a Subaru seen near Hwy 18 and Delta Ave on Sep 20.
Deputies believe Carlos Baltazar may have been picked up near his vehicle by someone driving a Subaru.
Deputies are asking anyone who was in the area of Hwy 18 and Delta Ave on September 20th to contact the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at (909) 866-0100 or Sheriff's Dispatch at (909) 866-7581.
Original Story 9/25/20:
A member of the United States Forest Service Interagency Hotshot Crew has been reported missing after his vehicle was found in the Big Bear area.
Carlos Alexander Baltazar, 35, was reported missing by family on September 24, according to the Big Bear Sheriff's Station.
Baltazar's description:
- Hispanic male
- Standing at 5 foot, 9 inches tall
- Weighing 175 pounds
- Bald
- Brown eyes
The California Highway Patrol actually located Baltazar's vehicle on September 20th on Highway 18 and Delta Avenue. His backpack was found approximately 75 yards from where his vehicle was located.
Once the missing persons report came in, the search intensified with aviation, a K9, and a ground search. The K9 tracked Baltazar's scent but it was eventually lost. The search continues with deputies and bloodhounds.
Baltazar was off-duty at the time and not in the area of the El Dorado Fire.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
