A 78-year-old man with dementia who had been missing for about three hours was found within minutes after authorities launched a drone equipped with heat-sensing technology over Malibu.
The man went missing Monday afternoon as temperatures dipped into the 40s when he checked his email. His family began searching, but no trace of him was found until authorities deployed a 5-pound drone equipped with heat-sensing infrared technology.
The drone’s camera showed a man curled up on the ground, painted with a bright red fever sign.
“This is a great tool,” said Deputy Chief David Katz. “This man actually collapsed and couldn’t move. Because of his dementia, he can’t signal to anyone, he can’t answer to anyone.
“Infrared technology literally appears like a highway cone. It looks bright orange or red on your monitor.”
Katz said when search and rescue team members arrived, the man was still holding the TV remote control and seemed cold and shivering.
“We’re so happy we were able to find him,” Deputy Police Chief Oscar Peraza said. “I’m glad he came home for Christmas.”
