Elderly California Man With Dementia Found Using Infrared Drone

A missing 78-year-old California man with dementia is safely located in the dark, thanks to a drone with infrared tech. 🌐 #News #LosAngelesCA #California #MissingPerson

LOS ANGELES, CA – A missing 78-year-old man with dementia was safely located in California after vanishing for hours in the cold, thanks to an innovative search operation involving a drone equipped with an infrared camera. His disappearance, which began when he left home to retrieve the mail, prompted a rapid response from authorities, ultimately saving his life.

The Search Begins

At around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person.

The elderly man, who suffers from dementia, had gone to collect the mail at approximately 4:30 p.m. but never returned. With temperatures hovering around 48 degrees and dropping, deputies quickly mobilized to search for the man, who was considered at risk due to his medical condition.

Drone Technology to the Rescue

As nightfall approached, deputies launched a full-scale search operation, deploying multiple drones equipped with infrared thermal imaging cameras.

Within an hour and a half of the initial report, a drone spotted the missing man lying in a field of thick brush, about a quarter-mile from his home. Authorities said the man had only suffered minor abrasions from a fall, but his condition still warranted immediate medical attention.

A Successful Outcome

The man was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment and further evaluation.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office commended the quick and effective rescue, stating, “This successful rescue operation highlights the importance of swift action, teamwork, and innovative technology in locating missing persons, especially those who are vulnerable due to medical conditions.”

RELATED TOPICS: California | Missing Persons