March 3, 2024 2:00 p.m.
A Santa Rosa, California man was rescued by Douglas County Search and Rescue after he followed Global Positioning System directions when he encountered a weather- related delay on Interstate 5.
Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said on Saturday just after 12:00 a.m. 911 dispatchers received a text-to-911 from an individual stating that had gotten stuck in the snow and was in need of assistance.
O’Dell said deputies learned that 34-year-old Juan Carlos Torres-Esquivel had purchased a 1996 Ford F150 in Corvallis and was enroute to his residence when he was delayed due to weather issues on the freeway. Google maps recommended a detour which he selected that instructed him to take exit 88, drive east on Upper Cow Creek Road for 13 miles and turn south onto Snow Creek Road.
Torres-Esquivel made it approximately 5 miles up Snow Creek Road before sliding the passenger side of the vehicle into a deep ditch and getting the vehicle stuck in approximately 2 feet of snow. The man was unprepared for the conditions and was unsuccessful in attempting to dig the vehicle out without a shovel.
O’Dell said SAR was activated and responded to assist. SAR was unable to make it to his location with the snowcat due to a U-Haul truck being abandoned approximately 2 or 3 miles up Snow Creek Road in the middle of the roadway. Members of the 4×4 team were able to maneuver around the U-Haul after airing down their tires and retrieved Torres-Esquivel.
Deputies provided the man with a courtesy ride to Seven Feathers.
DCSO would like to remind drivers of the dangers of blindly using GPS devices.
O’Dell said, “GPS devices are often set to direct drivers through the fastest route to their destination. Oftentimes, this means direction through non-maintained road systems, including forest roads”. O’Dell said, “Blindly following GPS navigation can potentially lead to dangerous situations and have serious consequences. Although travel delays can be disruptive, it is best to remain on routes that are maintained”.
Pictures of the Snow Creek rescue mission are posted at www.541radio.com