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U.S. Border Patrol Curlew Station Rescues Lost and Injured Man

Release Date
Mon, 01/05/2015

CURLEW, Wash. –U.S. Border Patrol agents assisted local law enforcement in a successful search and rescue effort for a missing person yesterday. At approximately 7:20 p.m. the Ferry County Sheriff’s Office contacted Spokane Sector Border Patrol dispatch to request assistance in locating a missing injured man. A private citizen called 911 advising he had been in an ATV accident and needed immediate assistance. The exact location of the accident was unknown. Agents were dispatched to the most likely locations based on the limited information provided.

More detailed information was obtained and a search of Tonata Creek (Forest Service Road 2148) off of Kettle River Road was conducted. Due to the snow level, tracked ATV’s were deployed on the road for an extensive search of the area.

U.S. Border Patrol agenst utilize All-Terrain Vehicles retrofitted with snow tracks during rescue operations.

U.S. Border Patrol agents utilize All-Terrain Vehicles retrofitted with snow tracks during rescue operations.

At approximately 10:10 p.m. agents from the Curlew Border Patrol Station found the injured man near mile post 3.5 on Forest Service Road 2148. The individual, although responsive, appeared to be severely injured. He suffered from exposure and complained of both back pain and trouble breathing. Based on the victim's condition and the inability for paramedics to reach the area with a vehicle, agents determined he had to be moved immediately to receive medical assistance. Agents transported him via ATV to Kettle River Road where emergency medical personnel were waiting.

“Thanks to the cooperation between the Ferry County Sheriff’s Office and Curlew Border Patrol, agents were able to help find the man who was facing dropping temperatures and serious injuries,” said Curlew Station’s Patrol Agent in Charge Rick Petrey.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021