UPDATE (July 9, 4:38a): The Kern County Sheriff's Office confirmed two search and rescue volunteers were robbed at gunpoint.
Officials said it happened on Saturday while conducting a rescue operation for a hiker in medical distress on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
The incident occurred off a nearby trail, in the segment of the PCT between Highway 58 and Kelso Valley Road.
The suspects were two Hispanic male adults carrying rifles and handguns. The rescuers were not harmed during the incident, but were advised by the suspects to leave the area immediately.
After the robbery occurred, the Kern County Fire Department assisted Sheriff’s personnel with a hoist rescue of the injured hiker and three others.
The Sheriff’s Office and USFS have initiated a hard closure of that segment of the PCT until it can be determined the trail is safe to reopen. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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Kern County Sheriff's are investigating an incident involving their search and rescue crews tonight.
The incident took place in the Piute Mountains near the Pacific Crest Trail.
Residents that live near Jawbone Canyon tell 23ABC they received a phone call earlier this evening, saying search and rescue crews were allegedly robbed at gunpoint.
KCSO has not yet confirmed the allegations, but did say that no one was hurt in the incident.
This is a developing news story.
Check back for the latest details.
