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Chico man faces criminal charges following a huge rescue effort Wednesday night in
Upper Bidwell Park.
Rescuers say they found 44-year-old Eric Cooper just after
7 p.m. drunk and belligerent near the creek at Bear Hole near the diversion dam.
They went searching for Cooper after his girlfriend reported him overdue from a walk with this three dogs.
Officers say they feared Cooper had been injured but quickly realized he was intoxicated, apparently spending the afternoon at Bear Hole drinking. Officers say Cooper didn't want to be rescued but say when he stood up to make his way out he couldn't walk.
He was already experiencing hypothermia and the rescuers feared for his safety. That's when Chico Fire, Cal Fire and Butte County Search and Rescue were called out. Cooper reportedly tried to attack one of his fire fighter rescuers. He now faces criminal charges of public drunkenness and assault on a fire fighter. Authorities are considering sending Cooper the bill for the huge rescue operation.
