Search and Rescue Efforts Continue for Charles Bearstail as of May 2, 2022.
Jacqueline Spegal
FBCE – Interim Executive Director
As of May 2nd, 2022, the MHA Emergency Operations Center continues its search and rescue efforts for Charles Bearstail. Bearstail was reported missing at 10:37 am on April 27th, 2022. He had last contacted his family members on April 24th, 2022. A Silver Alert was requested but has not been implemented as Bearstail did not meet the criteria. He is a few months shy of his 65th birthday. “The public is asked to report any information on Mr. Bearstail’s whereabouts to Heather Baker, BIA Special Agent 701-627-3617 or 701-550-5646.” States the April 29th, 2022 press release.
Charles Bearstail
MHA Drug Enforcement in their division area of search.
Photo courtesy of J. White.
He enjoyed outdoor activities such as kayaking and posted pictures of himself kayaking on Lake Sakakawea on Facebook a few days prior to his disappearance. Family members reported him missing when they found his vehicle without a trace of Mr. Bearstail after multiple days of no contact. A kayak matching the general description of the one belonging to Bearstail was found on the east lakeshore of Lake Sakakawea on April 27th, 2022, according to the press release.
According to the MHA EOC Press release, as of April 29th, 2022, the agencies responding to this case include Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement, MHA Emergency Operations Center, TAT Fire Management, MHA Drug Enforcement Agency, Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, New Town Volunteer Fire Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Investigations, TERO, TAT Fish and Game, MHA DOT, Four Bears Casino Security and Surveillance, TAT Security, Burleigh County Water Rescue & Recovery Team, Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office, Mountrail County Emergency Management, North Dakota BCI, Mckenzie County CERT. United States Attorney’s Office- District of North Dakota (T. Van Horn), and Parshall Segment Dive Team. The Supporting Agencies include Four Bears Segment, North Segment, TAT GIS Department, Covid-19 Task Force, National Weather Service- Bismarck Office, and Mckenzie County Emergency Management.
As of April 29th, 2022, the resources being used to search for and rescue Bearstail include 3 helicopters, 2 boats, 2 air drones, 2 cadaver K-9s, 1 water sonar drone, 8 OHVs, 8 Division Search Teams totaling 61 Field Personnel and 5 command and general staff.
The Incident Commander is Marle Baker, TAT Fire Management Officer and the Deputy Incident Commander/Public Information officer is Emily Sitting Bear, MHA Emergency Operations Center. The Deputy Incident Commander is Marty Foote with TAT Law Enforcement Chief of Police and the Liaison Officer is Heather Baker, BIA Special Agent.
Aerial view from drone of Division Alpha getting ready to hike into their search area. Photo courtesy of J. White.
Photo courtesy of B. Freeman
Parshall Segment Dive Team.
Photo courtesy of C. Steele.
