Saskatchewan RCMP utilized a drone effectively in the rescue of two individuals stranded in a wooded area during a cold, dark night. The Prince Albert detachment received a distress call about a man being pursued by an armed individual in the RM of Buckland at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 7. According to RCMP, a man and a woman sought refuge in the forest to escape a gunman after being attacked and shot at, eventually becoming disoriented.
Staff Sgt. Steve Hurst emphasized the drone’s crucial role, stating that its thermal imaging capabilities provided a vital aerial perspective. The drone pinpointed the man’s location and verbally guided him out of the forest using his phone’s compass. Additionally, a spotlight on the drone illuminated his path, while the police vehicle’s lights and sirens aided in his approach.
Ground searches assisted by the drone’s aerial view led to the discovery of the woman in an SUV at a remote site. Following an investigation, the Prince Albert RCMP deployed snowmobiles to retrieve the woman and transport her safely to an awaiting ambulance. Both individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were promptly taken to a medical facility.
Hurst expressed the relief of the rescued pair upon being located, highlighting the potentially dire consequences of prolonged exposure to the elements. Subsequent investigations led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Justin Charles, a 30-year-old from Prince Albert, facing various charges related to the incident.
Saskatchewan stands out as the sole province equipped with a drone in every detachment, with five members in Prince Albert proficient in drone operations. Const. Colin Lush, a drone training instructor, underscored the life-saving impact of drones, particularly in adverse weather conditions. He praised the drones’ thermal imaging capabilities for aiding ground officers hindered by severe weather conditions.
The deployed drone, equipped with red and blue flashing lights and a loudspeaker, has proven effective in numerous missing person searches and law enforcement operations. Lush hailed the drones as revolutionary tools that have significantly enhanced operational efficiency and success rates.
In the previous year, RCMP conducted 1,026 drone flights in Saskatchewan, including search and rescue missions and the apprehension of 57 suspects. The drones have been instrumental in locating vulnerable individuals and enhancing public safety efforts.
Overall, the effective utilization of drones in emergency response scenarios underscores their pivotal role in modern law enforcement operations, offering enhanced surveillance capabilities and aiding in lifesaving missions.