CHP copter, Fresno deputy rescue hiker on Pacific Crest Trail

Officers in the California Highway Patrol helicopter and a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy rescued a hiker who had a medical emergency Sunday evening along the Pacific Crest Trail north of Edison Lake, sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti reported.

Tara Steele, 66, from Santa Rosa was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail when she suffered an apparent stroke and was able to activate an emergency personal locator beacon.

The helicopter, piloted by CHP officer Riley Dixon with flight officer Rusty Hotchkiss and deputy Johnny Reyes, flew to the area of Brave Lake. Reyes was lowered to the ground where he helped Steele back to the copter so she could be flown to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment.

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 10:12 AM with the headline "CHP copter, Fresno deputy rescue hiker on Pacific Crest Trail."