Intoxicated Man Airlifted At Smithcliffs, North Laguna: Cops

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Three agencies responded to the Smithcliffs residential complex to rescue a man trapped on the rocky outcropping, Saturday.

A suspect, later identified as John Wilson, appeared to be stuck on the rocks, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota told Patch.

Wilson was "heavily intoxicated and uncooperative with first responders" during his arrest, Cota said.

While helicopters circled, Wilson meandered his way toward Emerald Bay and began "throwing rocks" at Marine Safety personnel, he said.

Rounding himself to Whisky Cove to evade authorities, Wilson ended up falling from the rocks.

OCSD helicopter deputies first hoisted him to safety, then took transferred custody of the suspect to Laguna Beach Police Department officers.

"He refused to cooperate with the Laguna Beach police or the Orange County Sheriff's Department," an LBPD spokesperson said. "After a short flight in handcuffs, the subject was transported to Laguna Beach jail for the booking process."

Wilson was charged with resisting and delaying arrest and being drunk in public.