Thermal Drone Locates Missing Elderly Man in 80-Minute Search Operation

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) demonstrated the life-saving potential of drone technology when deputies successfully located a missing 78-year-old man using a thermal-equipped unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in Malibu. The rescue operation, occurring on December 23, highlights the growing role of advanced drone capabilities in time-critical public safety missions, according to ABC News.

Deputies initiated the search after receiving a 911 call at 7:30 PM PST reporting an elderly resident with dementia had gone missing after leaving his home to check the mail around 4:30 PM. With temperatures dropping to 48°F (8.9°C) and continuing to fall, the situation demanded rapid response.

The department’s decision to immediately deploy a thermal-equipped drone proved pivotal. Within 80 minutes of the initial report, the UAS located the missing individual approximately 0.25 miles from his residence, lying in dense brush. The man had sustained minor abrasions from a fall but was otherwise stable enough for transport to a local hospital for evaluation.

This successful operation adds to LASD’s expanding track record of drone deployments in public safety missions. Department records indicate that as of December 18, the agency had utilized drones in nearly 60 incidents throughout 2024, including 12 search and rescue operations and 45 high-risk tactical scenarios.

The incident demonstrates how thermal imaging technology, when combined with rapid drone deployment protocols, can dramatically reduce search times in critical situations. For elderly individuals with cognitive conditions, where exposure to elements poses significant risks, such technological capabilities can mean the difference between life and death.

LASD’s drone program, established in 2017, represents a broader trend among law enforcement agencies increasingly relying on aerial inspection capabilities for public safety applications. The successful integration of UAS technology into standard operating procedures suggests continued expansion of these capabilities across public safety departments nationwide.

The operation’s success also underscores the importance of maintaining readiness for nighttime drone operations, particularly in jurisdictions with significant elderly populations or challenging terrain. As thermal imaging technology continues to advance, its application in search and rescue operations is likely to become increasingly sophisticated and effective.

Photos courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department