Man proposes on Morro Rock, botches the landing
April 8, 2016
A man climbed on top of Morro Rock Thursday morning to digitally propose to his girlfriend. The woman reportedly said “yes,” but emergency crews then had to rescue her fiancé from the rock.
Police have identified the man as Fresno resident Michael John Paul Banks, 27. Banks became stuck on his way down the rock. A CHP helicopter arrived with a Morro Bay firefighter to rescue him around 9 a.m.
Video of rescue of illegal climber n Morro Rock today with CHP helicopter and MBFD Fire Captain. pic.twitter.com/zEFxW0xOIM
— Morro Bay Fire (@MorroBayFire) April 7, 2016
Officers cited Banks for misdemeanor trespassing and released him. However, police also arrested him for possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence. [KEYT]
Banks is not in San Luis Obispo County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office website.
After climbing Morro Rock shortly before sunrise, he the Fresno man used FaceTime to propose to hie girlfriend. Though she said yes, she was reportedly unhappy with the stunt.
Banks faces a fine for climbing the rock and must pay for the cost of the rescue, which is about a few thousand dollars. Cal Fire, the Morro Bay, Harbor Patrol and the Coast Guard assisted with the rescue.
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