Maricopa County desert rescues now approaching 30

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has reported that four more individuals have been rescued by his deputies from the desert area near Gila Bend, Arizona. One man called for help on the evening of June 24, 2013 and now three more have been rescued today. Sheriff’s deputies, in both cases, were responding to 911 calls for immediate assistance.

This brings the total numbered of rescued persons to 28 in the past several weeks.

On June 3, 2013, Sheriff’s deputies rescued six men lost and wandering in the desert. On June 8, 2013, another 18 were rescued as they too were overcome with the heat and thirst associated with days-long desert crossings. The desert near Gila Bend has also yielded five deceased bodies in the past week.

“Warning after warning is being ignored,” said Arpaio. “Temperatures are now expected to be 116 or 117 this weekend. I am afraid the next group may not be able to call for help.”

All the men rescued, including the latest four, have been handed off to the Border Patrol.