Local Authorities Utilize Drone to Locate Runaway Juvenile

First responders utilizing drone technology were able to locate a missing juvenile runaway Sunday afternoon.

Effingham City Police Chief Jeff Fuesting shared information about the incident. Fuesting's department received a report of the incident at 2:44pm, and police began searching several locations the runaway is known to frequent.

An hour later, the teenager was spotted running into a cornfield. The supervisor on-scene, considering the time of day and the high temperatures, decided to utilize an Effingham Police K-9 Unit to track the juvenile. Fuesting said the supervisor took into consideration the safety and health of the juvenile as well as the first responders. 

The drone, recently acquired by the City to use for public safety purposes, was deployed by Effingham Fire Department personnel. Utilizing binoculars, an officer spotted the juvenile exit the field, but immediately re-enter the field. The drone was immediately flown to that specific location and located the juvenile. An Effingham County Sheriff's Deputy successfully contacted the juvenile, who was taken by Abbott EMS to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital for observation as a precautionary move.

Fuesting credits the new drone technology for saving time and lessening the risk of weather-related injuries to both the juvenile and to first responders. He said, 'This was the first time we were able to utilize this type of technology. Given the excessive heat of the day, officers made the right call to use the drone immediately, rather than risk officers walking through the dense cornfield where temperatures could easily top 120 degrees." Fuesting thanked community members who donated toward the purchase of the drone.

The drone, which was purchased in May, is owned by the City and requires certification through the FAA to operate. Licensing and strict regulations from the FAA dictate when and how the drone is to be utilized. There is currently one member each from the police department and the fire department who completed the 32-hour course and testing process. Fuesting said he plans to have more officers complete their certification over the next year. He said, "Technology is rapidly advancing, and enhancing the tools and techniques we use as a police department allows us to serve the citizens more effectively."