ENFIELD, CONN – Drone Technology is helping police in new ways, being able to fly a drone quickly compared to helicopter air support some police departments like South Bloomfield have started to carry drones for missing persons, running fugitives, and various situations where the officer needs to reach a location not easily reachable. A story out of Enfield Conn shows some of the use.
On 2/15/20 at 0843 the Enfield Police Department was contacted by a family member of a blind male party who lives in town due to the fact that he was unable to make contact with his brother which was unusual. Enfield PD Officers responded to take the initial report and through investigation and knowledge of the victims past behavior determined that it was likely that he walked away from the home and became disoriented. Through interviewing neighbors, Officers determined that the male party had not been seen since approximately 10 AM on 2/14/20, approximately 24 hours prior. Due to the temperature, there was concern about hypothermia and it was clear that time was of the essence for a successful outcome. Vernon CT Police Department was contacted for assistance and a drone pilot from Vernon PD responded from home to assist. After approximately 30 minutes of searching, the male party was located by the Vernon Officer via drone approximately 100 yards into the woods, down an embankment, hidden from view. Fire and EMS were called to the scene. The male party stated to personnel that he had become disoriented due to medical conditions and had been outside for approximately 33 hours, surviving overnight in temperatures around 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Enfield Fire Department, Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield EMS and Enfield Police Department personnel carried the male party out of the woods, and he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Enfield Police Department is extremely grateful for the support of the Vernon, CT Police Department, Enfield Fire Department, Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield EMS and Enfield Housing Authority to bring this event to a successful resolution.
