Dartmouth Police Department drone team members locate missing child

“On Friday, December 16, 2022 at approximately 10:00 p.m., members of the Dartmouth Police Department Drone Unit were requested to respond to Freetown to assist with locating a missing two-year-old child.

Within fifteen (15) minutes of their arrival, drone operator, Officer Justin MEDEIROS, identified a heat signature in a wooded area located approximately one-quarter mile away from where the child was last seen. As this signature was consistent with a stationary individual, Officer MEDEIROS guided Sergeant Scott STANTON to the location by radio.

Upon reaching the area where the heat signature was identified, Sergeant STANTON located and recovered the child.

According to Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. LEVESQUE, “This incident was the perfect example of where the crossroads of technology and good teamwork came together. Had it not been for the use of our drone, and the excellent communication between my two officers, the outcome of this incident would have most likely been grave.”

The attached video clip shows when the child was located and recovered.” -Dartmouth Police Department.