Private Drone ‘Almost Caused a Serious Incident’ With Search Helicopter Looking for Leia and Caroline

The National Guard Blackhawk helicopter landing during the search for two missing sisters. [Video by a reader]

This afternoon, a private drone impacted the search for Leia and Caroline Carrico, 5 and 8 year old sisters from Southern Humboldt, missing in the woods near Benbow since yesterday afternoon.

Although the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has asked repeatedly called for private citizens to not enter the search area as they might hinder the search, one private drone accessed the area today.

A crewmember of the Blackhawk looks out of the open bay of the copter as the National Guard team helps search for Leia and Caroline Carrico.

A crewmember of the Blackhawk looks out of the open bay of the copter as the National Guard team helps search for Leia and Caroline Carrico. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

“One almost caused a serious incident with the helicopter,” said Samantha Karges, spokesperson for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. She said the drone had a “close call” with the National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. “We really need to have that air space only for emergency responders.”

The HCSO’s Twitter account tweeted, “The search area is closed to unauthorized aircraft including citizen drones. Citizen drones are making it dangerous for our assisting helicopters to fly. Please do not operate a drone in the search area. Thank you for your support as this search continues.”

The road is also shut down to all local traffic.

Karges said, “Please trust us. We have a lot of personnel on the scene.”

County Supervisor Estelle Fennell said that there were over 100 searchers and support personnel on site today.

Humboldt County Estelle Fennell speaking earlier today at a press briefing about the missing girls.

Humboldt County Estelle Fennell speaking earlier today at a press briefing about the missing girls. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

Karges said, “For tomorrow we are expecting over 78 search and rescue people from out of county including six canine teams.”

One of the canine teams prepares for the search earlier today.

One of the canine teams prepares for the search earlier today. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

Meanwhile, our reporter on the scene said that some of the teams are returning. Though there are teams at the command post ready to mobilize tonight should anything occur. There are also vehicles equipped with lights that will be searching the area.

Search crews being debriefed after scouring the hills near Twin Trees Road for two missing sisters.

Search crews being debriefed after scouring the hills near Twin Trees Road for two missing sisters. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

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Yellow
Guest
Yellow
5 years ago

I sure hope they already thought of using blood hounds to track them because they can smell 40 times better than a human they can also smell during the rain and are always used for this kind of purpose.

Coast
Guest
Coast
5 years ago
Reply to  Yellow

A bloodhounds nose is 1000 times stronger than a humans

J
Guest
J
5 years ago
Reply to  Yellow

It’s interesting to see that the first comment on a post about letting the professionals handle this is someone chiming in about how to handle the situation without even knowing what kind of dogs they have total just going off of a one picture you see. Let the professionals handle it, stop judging what they’re doing.

ESFOAD
Guest
5 years ago

May we all send prayers these two kids are safely reunited with their family.🙏

Martin
Guest
5 years ago

To the jackass with the drone, stay the HELL away from there. You are NOT wanted or needed. I hope they arrest you for putting the chopper crew at risk!

Troy
Guest
Troy
5 years ago
Reply to  Martin

So very true. Let the professionals handle it.

c marino
Guest
c marino
5 years ago

not stoked on response time with K9. and there are over 100 willing community members that at this point should be allowed to scour! so that would add to the 100 “pros”. HCSO needs to incorporate these community members in the search! now

Will
Guest
Will
5 years ago
Reply to  c marino

Takes time to get the proper k9s in the area. Its god that people want to help however they can walk right over or trample foot prints without seeing them making it impossible for the pros to find.

GUEST
Guest
GUEST
5 years ago
Reply to  c marino

C,
thanks.

Connie Dobbs
Guest
Connie Dobbs
5 years ago
Reply to  c marino

Yes, they need more people to get lost in the woods right now. Not you, of course; you’re smart. Even outdoorsy types can sprain an ankle, though, or get hit by some fool’s drone.

Wilbur
Guest
Wilbur
5 years ago

How could these young girls possibly get so far in 24 hours that so many search crews can’t locate them? It’s unfortunately beginning to sound like the alternative scenario.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

Does anyone know if they are planning on using, or are they using a helicopter equipped with FLIR?

Will
Guest
Will
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

National guard it there now. They are probably equipped with that sort of technology. But this is steep timber and brushy hillsides. Not sure of the amount of penetration the FLIR would have in that type of cover.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

If it rained the night they went missing, it could erase the scent a dog would be looking for. If that is the case, they could be very close. Humboldt is full of terrain where one slip can send you to the bottom of a feature that may be impossible to escape from in wet conditions. Sink holes are another common peril in our area that must be considered. Not time yet to get negative about the outcome here. No resource should be denied in this search. Prayers for the girls and the search party from our family.

Mike
Guest
Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Thank you. On day three dogs won’t be mich use and tracks are almost never the way people are found, more eyes more boots covering the mountain the better. Civilians are a pain in the rear, but what’s the alternative? Flying a helicopter around with thermal imagery that can’t see through the redwood canapy? Remember these are the same people for the most part that couldn’t find Shane Miller not that far from his truck.

Grasshopper
Guest
Grasshopper
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Having lost my 16 year old daughter to a drunk driver 2 years ago…..I have her with me…This not knowing has to be very, very hard…

GUEST
Guest
GUEST
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike,
agreed.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

I agree, enough people, a few feet apart from each other, to cover grids to the left and right where the pro’s are searching might be very helpful, like we see in tv shows. (keeping an eye on each searcher as well as for the girls).

My prayers continue non stop.

Thx guest
Guest
Thx guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Thank you guest, i think it can be hard to grasp that they could be close by still. And the flowing water in all the creeks changes the sounds. The ground is so saturated&slippery.

Ive seriously had a hard time finding someone i was going to meet to go camping, it got dark&i knew the general area they were in but the wind started blowing and i didnt find them until within a few hundred feet.
Its so great everyone wants to help but theres a protocol these folks have trained to follow, perhaps the 100 people that say are ready to help can get the training soon so they can go out. The more the better. The protocols are there to try to cover as much ground in as little time as possible while doing a thorough search for the tiniest clue. If Diana isnt asking for the publics help then they dont need it right now. I trust Dianas opinion immensely, she is an amazing tracker and incredibly caring individual. Right now we need to trust our fellow community members who do this type of thing all the time.

Beyond that there are issues with the general public searching&hurting themselves, you never know, so im sure insurance plays into regs too.

If you want to help then find out how to support the people on the ground out there.
Whats the attachment to being an actual searcher? To truly help we must set our own desires aside&do what is needed.

Ive done activism & volunteer work in many places and learned the most important folks are the ones making food&doing dishes. They make the good fuel to keep others doing front line stuff going.

EG
Guest
EG
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

I drove through Benbow at approximately 4pm on Friday (the day they went missing) and there were intermittent rain showers at that time. So their scent will be hard to track.

Tiered of liberals
Guest
Tiered of liberals
5 years ago

As far as the drone goes, what do you expect from people in Humboldt. They think they don’t have to comply with anything.

Bill
Guest
Bill
5 years ago

Sorry, but please do not lump all drone operators into the same basket. Yes, there are many that exercise poor to no judgment, but that is not all of us. I am an FAA Certified Remote Pilot. I know the rules, and follow them. So please don’t paint us all with the same brush. Or I might get “Tiered” of your posts.

Tiered of liberals
Guest
Tiered of liberals
5 years ago

Kym I thought you were going to give me a chance and stop moderating me, like I thought I’m not liberal so f me. Yep another liberal agenda

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

It takes a real clod to show up and try to make something political out of this.

Tommy
Guest
Tommy
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

You got that right.

Poster formerly known as Matt
Guest
Poster formerly known as Matt
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Especially when they can’t even spell correctly.

Tired of shit people
Guest
Tired of shit people
5 years ago

Cry about it somewhere else snowflake (this comment is directed towards Tired, i mean, Tiered of Liberals hahaha)

The misadventures of bunjee
Guest
The misadventures of bunjee
5 years ago

Dude. Just shut up. Take your gripes over to LoCo. You seem triggered.

Mike
Guest
Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I’m not offended because I’m not a conservative but it’s seems to be a dangerously slippery slope for reporters to accuse one party (not a person) of making up facts to support their agenda. I’ve seen you get seriously offended by the term fake news but you accuse conservatives of practically the same thing?

LostCoastEMP
Guest
LostCoastEMP
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

My prayer candles are lit 👨🏻‍🚒

Mike
Guest
Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I did and I greatly appreciate your efforts on helping these girls and I didn’t mean to insult you, my point was that reporters have to be held to a much higher standard than anonymous commenters on the internet, myself included, and being fixated on that I forgot you have every right to have a sense of humor. Especially dealing with us, I apologize.

Dan
Guest
Dan
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Wow you people are unbelievable, there are 2 little girls missing if the talk isn’t about the kids missing you should STFU… This isn’t about politics it’s about finding those kids.. grow up

Tired of selfish idiots...
Guest
Tired of selfish idiots...
5 years ago

Newsflash “tired of liberals”, this isn’t about you…

Narcissistic much?
Guest
Narcissistic much?
5 years ago

Loco and fox news await you sir.
Meanwhile over here in liberal land we’re gonna focus on our community members who are going thru a horrible time.
Or are you just pissed your drone got in trouble? My moneys on you or central hum.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago

~i do not under-stand.

Conservatism Is Corruption 🐘💰👈🏼
Guest
Conservatism Is Corruption 🐘💰👈🏼
5 years ago
Reply to  Central HumCo

Of course you don’t. No surprise there.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind. Jefferson

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago

I happen to be VERY Liberal as well as being under moderation for some time now!!!! Try again!!!

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

You’re entirely welcome!!!

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
5 years ago

Kym – Just want your readers to know that the good people of Covelo and even some folks down in Sonoma County are adding their prayers to yours. Please know that our hearts are with you. May these precious little ones be found safe and SOON!

Buster
Guest
Buster
5 years ago

Damn! Now it’s dark again…poor girls (and parents).

Proud Deplorable Grandma
Guest
Proud Deplorable Grandma
5 years ago

I cannot imagine the anguish of those little girls’ family. Praying for their safe return.

hotmamma
Guest
hotmamma
5 years ago

Two beautiful children are out in the wilderness, cold, hungry, and most likely getting very very scared. Please to the person speaking about themselves and their feelings about being moderated, please find another time and place to voice your hyperbole. Thank you. Lets all put our thoughts and actions towards finding these girls. Please!

Muddy Black Dodge
Guest
Muddy Black Dodge
5 years ago
Reply to  hotmamma

Thank you ‘hotmamma’. Really glad ‘YNot’ didn’t chime in, you wouldn’t believe the verbal diarrhea he/she spews… Wouldn’t help anyone… Stay warm and tough kiddo’s, we send our love to you and your family…

Yellow
Guest
Yellow
5 years ago

Not only can blood hounds smell in the rain but they can smell under the dirt if something was buried or somewhere were infer red may not be able to detect. I am sure they are thinking of any possible scenario that could of happened. And hike up and down every creek in the area with infer red goggles around the clock.

Linda
Guest
Linda
5 years ago

Rain does not hurt scent for the dogs and I hope they are using scent trained specific dogs with good scent items.
Children hiding even with good K9s makes locating them more difficult –
God keep the girls safe.

Tiered of liberals
Guest
Tiered of liberals
5 years ago

FBI and child abduction team there’s a reason they are there.

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
5 years ago

Yup, you’re absolutely right – and it’s called covering all the bases. Would you want less if it were your kids? Hell, I’d be calling for the Marines…

Girl on the hill
Guest
Girl on the hill
5 years ago

We all want so much for these girls to be found.
I am hoping that no suggestion will seem too trivial.
Perhaps bonfires that can be seen and food smells might rouse them if they are hiding or sleeping.

Malakai
Guest
Malakai
5 years ago

My God yes! Make fires! I have two children almost the same age. They would come to this. Our wild mountain children know the ways of our people. May these children be found safe.

GUEST
Guest
GUEST
5 years ago

Girl,
thanks,
bonfires and the smell of food.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

Great idea to make many strategic campfires! Kids can smell roasting marshmallows from a mile away I swear.
Bonfires might scare them, due to last summer’s trauma though. (plus overwhelm the smell of marshmallows)

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago

~i have to ask this — if it was Newsom, or a young family member of his, would that whole area not have been lit up like broad day light last night?

Dude March 1, 2019 10:52 pm
I just drove through there and didn’t see Sheriff or any marked cars helicopter nothing. Have they been found? This is scary. It’s cold.please let them be home god

Malakai
March 2, 2019 8:53 pm
My God yes! Make fires! I have two children almost the same age. They would come to this. Our wild mountain children know the ways of our people. May these children be found safe.

Small Fry
March 2, 2019 9:33 pm

. . . .. . . . . .This was in below zero temps. It was beginning to look hopeless when they were found, and it was very late at night.

I don’t think many of us who know about this nightmare will rest easy tonight.

Prayers and prayers and prayers and more prayers . . .

So sad
Guest
So sad
5 years ago

I hope EVERY vehicle, cabin and shack in that area gets thoroughly searched ……at least 10 times. Hopefully somebody in the area has some kind of video surveillance of a van or car leaving the area at the time the girls went missing…..or seen leaving after dark.
Please dear God let them be found safe.

another guest
Guest
another guest
5 years ago
Reply to  So sad

I wonder if Toth’s house has security cameras that catch the road? I hope they find them soon.

Linda
Guest
Linda
5 years ago

If I had to guess the girls are closer rather than far and near water if accessible like a river or a cliff for shelter. Children love to explore near water.

Wish I could help with my K9s.
I am sure the teams they are using are top in their field.

Buster
Guest
Buster
5 years ago
Reply to  Linda

I don’t know the area well but the river is one of my two biggest fears for the girls.

Lindsey
Guest
Lindsey
5 years ago

I have a bloodhound. I am willing to help in anyway.

Linda
Guest
Linda
5 years ago

It may go without saying but standard search procedures require home property be searched first such as car trunks, septic tanks, fridge out, etc and on neighboring property also.
Years ago three children suffocated in a car trunk in their yard while dogs and copters went to the river – I think it was in New Jersey. If the these children have been to the woods before and not recent – dogs are capable of being led onto old trails- all trailing begins at point last seen being their home on good scent items.

Legallettuce
Guest
Legallettuce
5 years ago

Shame on anyone commenting on this site spewing anything other than positive thoughts whether it be prayers or blessings for the safe return of these children. The community I know and the people in it would never and it is obvious you ain’t from our hills.

The only thing I wanna see or read is information or supplies or help (I will volunteer do their laundry, haul their trash away) whatever miniscule task for the searchers or family to help support their search.

Let these people do their job and let’s not waste Kym’s time having to moderate your stupidity (even though she has had to mod some of mine) this is not the time.

Muddy Black Dodge
Guest
Muddy Black Dodge
5 years ago
Reply to  Legallettuce

Most sense you You have ever made ‘legallettuce’

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
5 years ago

It sounds very much like the evidence found today (the granola bar wrappers) had only recently been purchased, and likely just dropped by the girls in their wandering. I firmly believe that they are lost, and not abducted. Naturally every possible scenario is being considered, but speculation and negativity are not helpful, and I beg everyone to please continue to keep their remarks positive and pray for good news by morning.

GUEST
Guest
GUEST
5 years ago

Prayers and good thoughts for the girls.

Linda
Guest
Linda
5 years ago

I am praying for the best outcome and anxiously waiting to find out what the dog teams discovered.

Chavez
Guest
Chavez
5 years ago
Reply to  Linda

How about those that care so much, and cant do anything due to our law enforcement’s request, explore whatever it take to become a viable search and rescue person. Believe you me, I’d be there in a second as I have the time and the heart, but if I’m told I cant, no matter how funked that is to hear, I hope it’s for the better. Positive thoughts, love and vibes to these littles and to their family. Care and love conquers all, hope that holds true in this case.

Legallettuce
Guest
Legallettuce
5 years ago
Reply to  Chavez

Nothing prohibits you from getting your certification for search and rescue except you. Since you do not meet the current requirements I suggest another way of helping by donating to any search and rescue team which can be easily done at most local banking establishments. Easily done online or by going to the only bank in Garberville, thanks for your support.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Chavez

” . . .cant do anything due to our law enforcement’s request,”

~morality is doing what’s right regardless of what you’re told.
Obedience is doing what is told regardless of what is right.

Sharpen your pencil
Guest
Sharpen your pencil
5 years ago
Reply to  Central HumCo

Yeah, your trampling over tracks and potential evidence is what would be right. You are clueless!

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

Scolding those who wish to help coordinate ways to help is helpful? For every finger pointing at someone else are 3 pointing straight back at you.

An archaeologist uses a soft paint brush to uncover historical artifacts, because it’s not a matter of life and death, but of details that will be exposed over a long stretch of time.

Why can’t they Co-ordinate all grids, altitudes and methods? Delegating leadership roles for each grid and method deployed would be easy for a coordinator. Walkie talkies, trail cams, hikers, grid walkers, thermal drones, video drones, boaters, trail bikes, helicopters, pro’s and antsy citizens all can be used if coordinated.

May the professional coordinators jump in soon.

Legallettuce
Guest
Legallettuce
5 years ago
Reply to  shak

Being an armchair search and rescue team member is not helpful either. When our help is needed I am sure you will have ample opportunity to make these suggestions to your search team leader.

Small Fry
Guest
Small Fry
5 years ago

Oh no! I am so sad they have not been found yet! Whoever used this drone without permission, so not cool!! With that said, couldn’t well communicated drones actually be helful? I am not a professional, certainly! But the drones can get much closer to the canopy and show a lot more detail than choppers.. just a thought..
I appreciate search and rescue and thank them greatly! And do not want to see anyone put anyone else in danger…
I will share this story, because maybe it will give others hope. When I was younger my father taught a back country sking, and snow boarding class, with a private high school. So a couple of teens, decided to take a path my dad had told them not to take because it lead to a very difficult place to get back from.. needless to say.. they went.. A huge search and rescue mission was launched.. It was my dad and another teacher who found them.. I think it was because my dad was more familiar with the area.. They were hypothermic, but they were saved. This was in below zero temps. It was beginning to look hopeless when they were found, and it was very late at night.. So don’t give up hope! And it may be actually be a good Idea to include some locals as they are usually most familiar with the area.. I sincerely hope they are found!!!

Legallettuce
Guest
Legallettuce
5 years ago
Reply to  Small Fry

Yes locals are including our own search and rescue team.

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
5 years ago

Chavez, I thank you for that great suggestion. People, if you long to help, look to the future and get yourself trained in emergency response, firefighting, CPR and First Aid, Search and Rescue, etc. And also, please for the love of God, especially if you live in the woods, train yourself and your family in a few basic survival tactics, if you haven’t done so already. Growing up in my family we practiced emergency drills for fire, tsunamis, nuclear war, etc. Even as little kids we were taught to use our heads and always have a plan.
Sending love, strength and protection to these girls and their family. I see a safe journey, I see a safe return.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

Why can’t they make a leader, a grid and an altitude plan for thermal drone usage?

Meadow MB
Guest
Meadow MB
5 years ago
Reply to  shak

It’s very steep there, and the tree limbs get in the way of the drone and any thermal imaging. Keep in mind this is the woods, in a rural area.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago
Reply to  Meadow MB

Maybe some loud chainsaws trimming the under branches would help the kids to find their path towards those looking for them?

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago
Reply to  shak

Chainsaws in the dark, that sounds like a great idea, if you want to injure yourself & use up resources, that would otherwise be helping look, for the missing children!!!

Brian
Guest
Brian
5 years ago
Reply to  Dan F

Agreed.

Check out this other good idea from same:

https://kymkemp.com/2019/03/02/sheriffs-department-releases-more-on-the-missing-girls-in-humboldt-county/#comment-786773

Fortunately no one “loaded up” their guns and searched on their own as HumCo had promoted!

Come home safe
Guest
Come home safe
5 years ago

I think what we all picture of searching from movies is a line of people a few feet apart walking a transect. That works well in fields&flat terrain. It would literally be impossible to do properly in this steep terrain.
We know that at least so hum tech rescue is on it. They know the area plus they know who else knows the area well. We need to trust them&what theyre asking of us.
I really feel like the girls are near water, maybe sheltered near the river bank, the water has gone down with lots debris on banks.

Lets get a huge box of whistles for everyone in the community, young and old, we can all get lost.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago
Reply to  Come home safe

Strategically hang whistles from low branches on every deer trail for the kids to stumble across. Whistles, blankets, walkie talkies, bullhorns, solar lights, ….
We’re so scared they might have slipped down into a cavernous area and can’t get back out.

Is there a way to magnify a sound if made? If the kids were near enough to a sound amplifier…

Inventors! We need you.

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago

Someone said this earlier, I think it’s worth repeating!!! If you want to help, get trained and certified, then by all means, they will happily accept your assistance!!!

Linda
Guest
Linda
5 years ago

I am certain formal rescue teams are doing their best. It has been my experience, and yes I have worked my K9s with LE and volunteer groups over many years, that failure to follow search protocol happens often. Unfortunately time is of the essence here – I pray the children are located soon and good scent specific trained K9s are brought in with experienced handlers. Usually these searches are best organized on statistical – lost children behavior, but the wild card happens. It is good that random untrained searchers are kept away. Having family searching bringing scent in area is problematic for the K9s. If I lived closer I would gladly offer assistance – I hope the children are found soon.
Still if the children are sheltering in the woods it is a most difficult task even for the best of the best.

God be with them,

tyrone
Guest
tyrone
5 years ago

found