Volunteer shot and wounded while helping search for missing hiker in Northern California

A search team volunteer was in stable condition Wednesday after he was shot while helping look for a missing hiker in Northern California.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a call about 6:35 p.m. Tuesday requesting emergency medical evacuation for a search and rescue team member who had been shot in the hip, officials said.

Authorities were still searching for the shooter and the motive for the attack remains unknown.

The volunteer was shot while helping hunt for Timothy Hansston, 75, of Tulare County, who has been missing since Aug. 4 and was last known to be hiking the South Yuba River near the town of Washington.

Three volunteers were searching a very steep canyon when two shots were heard. One person was struck and they all took cover, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Special enforcement teams from Placer and Nevada counties were called in, as well as medical units, officials said. The shooting victim was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center around 10:20 p.m. for treatment.

He is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities are warning the public to stay out of the area while they search for the gunman.

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