Drone search expands for missing Toronto person

Police in Toronto and Hamilton are working together to find a missing person whose last confirmed sighting has shifted west across the Greater Toronto Area, as CBC reported. The search for Charlotte Jeffrey began in Toronto after they were reported missing on November 26. But by the evening of November 25, Jeffrey had already been seen in Burlington. That unexpected change in location pushed the investigation into Hamilton.

Toronto police first issued a notice describing Jeffrey as having a slim build and standing five foot four. They have dark curly or wavy hair, a septum piercing and several tattoos. They were last seen in Toronto near Mimico Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West around 9:15 a.m. on November 25.

Later that same day, Jeffrey was spotted again. This time it was at about 11:30 p.m. in Burlington near Brant Street and Fairview Street. That new sighting gave investigators a wider area to cover. It also raised concerns about where Jeffrey might have gone next.

Toronto police asked for help from the Hamilton Police Service as soon as the investigation pointed toward the Dundas area. Both agencies said they are concerned for Jeffrey’s safety and want to bring them home as soon as possible.

Police deploy drone teams near Dundas

Hamilton police confirmed the search is active and growing. On Sunday they shared that officers would be working near Old Guelph Road in Dundas. They also said the public would see more officers in the area and that drones would be used to scan the terrain.

The official name for those drones is remotely piloted aerial systems. These aircraft help officers cover large areas in a short time. They can also capture detailed images from the air that might reveal clues missed from the ground. In missing person cases, drones can provide real time awareness and increase the speed of the search.

Hamilton police posted an update on social media saying their drone team would be working around Princess Point on Tuesday. That area includes trails, water and thick tree cover. It is the kind of landscape where a drone can make the search more effective.

Officers are also walking and driving through the area. They are talking to residents and checking locations where someone might seek shelter. Police asked anyone in Hamilton, Burlington or Toronto who may have seen Jeffrey to call them right away.

Jeffrey was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, a dark green hoodie, grey pants and black Doc Marten boots. Police said this description is important because clothing can help identify someone from a distance, especially from the air.

Why drones matter in searches like this

Drones have become an essential tool in search and rescue work. They can fly over rivers, forests and steep terrain without putting officers in danger. They can also scan large search zones in minutes. That speed is critical when a missing person may be exposed to cold temperatures or other risks.

In this case, the Dundas area has wooded trails, ravines and waterfront paths. These places take much longer to search on foot. A drone can capture high resolution video and thermal images that help officers detect heat signatures, footprints or other signs of human activity.

The use of drones also frees up officers. They can focus on interviewing witnesses, checking security cameras and reviewing tips. When ground teams work together with drone operators, the chances of finding a missing person improve.

Police in Canada have increasingly relied on drones for emergencies. Many departments now have trained operators and dedicated search units. The Hamilton Police Service is one of those agencies. Their drone program has been used in past searches for hikers, seniors and crime suspects.

Both Hamilton and Toronto police say the search for Jeffrey will continue. They are asking the public to stay alert and report anything that could help.

DroneXL’s Take

Drone teams are becoming one of the most valuable tools in missing person searches. They can scan difficult terrain fast and provide a safer way to guide officers on the ground. The air support in Dundas shows how police agencies now combine technology and teamwork to improve outcomes. As more departments adopt drones, families and communities gain a stronger chance of getting answers when someone goes missing.

You can read more stories about drones for good right here on DroneXL.

Photo credit: Toronto PD / Facebook