Hiker in Critical Condition After Rescue on Local Trail

A hiker was transported to a local hospital in critical condition today after being rescued by a Sheriff's Department helicopter from a hiking trail in the hills of western Menifee, authorities said.

Police and fire officials responded to the report of a hiker down on a trail west of McCall Boulevard and Valley Boulevard at 8:20 a.m. Firefighters reported they couldn't reach the hiker from the ground, so the helicopter was used to make the rescue.

The hiker has not been identified.