Thermal Imaging Drone helps Marshall County Deputies locate missing endangered adult

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 3:35 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

A thermal imaging drone proved to be the difference-maker on Friday, September 4th, when Marshall County Sheriff's Department deputies used the technology to locate a missing man with severe medical needs in just over an hour.

At approximately 9:04 p.m., the Marshall County Sheriff's Department received a call for service regarding a missing male subject in the 5,000 block of Pine Road. The individual had medication needs and severe medical issues, making the search time-sensitive and critical.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Department, along with the Indiana State Police, responded to the area and immediately began searching for the missing person.

The sheriff's department rapidly deployed a drone — an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with advanced thermal imaging capabilities — to search the area. The technology proved invaluable, allowing deputies to locate the missing man at approximately 10:26 p.m., roughly 82 minutes after the initial call.

The male was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The use of thermal imaging drone technology proved invaluable in quickly locating the individual and ensuring a safe outcome.

Lieutenant Detective Les McFarland noted that the drone's advanced capabilities were key to the successful resolution of the incident.