San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents responded to a call for help on September 20 after hearing cries from a canyon near Otay Lakes County Park, adjacent to the Savage Dam. Agents hiked into the area and found an adult male cyclist who had suffered multiple serious injuries.
A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician joined other agents at the scene to provide assistance and stabilize the injured man. According to the cyclist, he lost his footing while walking his bike along a trail on the canyon wall and fell more than 50 feet into the bottom of the canyon. He was unable to move for several hours and called for help until agents located him.
“There is no doubt in my mind that these agents saved this man’s life,” said San Diego Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “I am truly thankful the agents were in the right place at the right time to make a difference.”
The San Diego Fire-Rescue helicopter airlifted the cyclist, transporting him to a local hospital for treatment. The following day, Border Patrol agents returned to recover his bicycle and personal belongings, which they delivered to his wife.
The U.S. Border Patrol maintains high vigilance along corridors away from national borders in order to prevent illicit smuggling of people, drugs, and contraband. The agency encourages reporting suspicious activity by contacting 911 or reaching out directly to San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is described as America’s largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel protecting land, air, and sea borders. CBP enforces lawful travel and trade while working to ensure economic prosperity and enhance national security through innovation and collaboration.
