This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Camp Ranger Carjacked By Dorner Files Lawsuit To Receive Entire $1.2 Million Reward
The camp ranger who called 9-1-1 after being carjacked by Christopher Dorner filed a lawsuit seeking to collect the entire $1.2 million reward that was offered to find the fugitive ex-LAPD cop who killed four people before taking his own life in a Big Bear cabin.
Rick Heltebrake is a full-time ranger at the Boy Scout-run Camp Tahquitz in Angelus Oaks. He came face to face with Dorner on February 12 when Dorner jumped out of a snowbank and pointed a gun at him. Heltebrake followed Dorner's directions and jumped out of the car and took his dog with him. Later Heltebrake called 9-1-1 from his cell phone, and not too long afterward San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies found Dorner hiding in a nearby cabin.
Attorney Allen L. Thomas is representing Heltebrake, according to the Los Angeles Times. In the suit, he wrote:
"Mr. Heltebrake's telephone call to Deputy Franklin notified law enforcement of Mr. Dorner's location, provided a description of the vehicle he was fleeing in and was the substantial factor in the capture of Mr. Dorner at the cabin location [...] Consequently, Mr. Heltebrake accepts the mayor's offer of the entire reward of $1.2 million."
But the couple who found Dorner hiding in their rental apartment before Dorner carjacked Heltebrake could also have a claim. Even Heltebrake himself told a reporter, "Someone owes me $1 million," before adding he wouldn't mind "parting it three ways" with the others.LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said the way the reward is disbursed will be decided once the investigation is complete. Two dozen groups chipped in to come up with the $1.2 million reward.
Related:
Man Allegedly Carjacked By Dorner Recounts His Story: 'He Was Dressed For Action'
Chief Beck On the Dorner Manifesto, the Victims, and Who Will Get The Reward
$1 Million Bounty Placed On Christopher Dorner's Head
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
