WARETOWN — A juvenile reported missing during frigid nighttime conditions was safely located in a wooded area near Oyster Creek after officers deployed drone technology to assist in the search, authorities said.
Ocean Township Police were dispatched on February 12 for a report of a runaway juvenile. With temperatures below freezing and visibility diminishing, patrol officers canvassed surrounding neighborhoods and nearby wooded terrain while investigators reviewed location-sharing data to narrow the possible search area.
Sgt. Michael Matelski launched the department’s unmanned aerial system to provide real-time overhead surveillance of dense sections of woods that were difficult to access on foot. The drone identified the juvenile in a heavily wooded area along Oyster Creek, allowing officers to reach the child quickly and ensure their safety.
Officials said the cold weather and challenging terrain posed significant risks had the search continued without swift results. Authorities credited the coordinated ground response and aerial support with preventing the situation from worsening.
The department maintains three Federal Aviation Administration-licensed drone pilots, enabling around-the-clock deployment when necessary. The drone program is funded through emergency management grants, according to police, and does not add costs to local taxpayers.
Police said the incident demonstrates how aerial technology and coordinated field operations can improve response times and outcomes in urgent missing person investigations.
