An 86-year-old man, reported missing from his home in Plainville, Massachusetts, was found safe Thursday night after a quick and coordinated search and rescue operation. The Plainville Police Department worked with several local and regional partners to find the man before the cold weather became dangerous.

He had last been seen around 7:00 p.m., and was reported missing at 8:20 p.m. With temperatures around 36 degrees and concern for his safety growing, officers didn’t hesitate.

Search Teams, Drones, and K-9 Units Deployed

Police quickly requested help from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METRO-LEC), a network of 46 departments that supports cities and towns like Plainville MA in situations like this. Multiple teams were sent in, including:

• Drone units for aerial surveillance

• K-9 teams to help on the ground

• A search and rescue crew

• Tactical bicycle officers and investigative units

The Massachusetts State Police Department (also known as the Massachusetts State Police Dept) responded as well, including the MSP Air Wing. The Plainville Fire Department was also on scene to provide medical support.

This joint effort shows how law enforcement agencies working together can move fast and effectively during emergencies.

Missing Man Located in 17 Minutes

Three drones launched and began scanning over two miles of wooded terrain near power lines in Plainville, Massachusetts. At 9:47 p.m., just 17 minutes after drone deployment, the missing old man was found alive in the woods.

Search-and-rescue teams and paramedics reached him quickly and gave a medical evaluation before taking him to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Chief Commends Fast and Focused Response

In a statement after the operation, Plainville Police Chief James Floyd said:

“Tonight’s successful rescue is a testament to the power of collaboration, advanced technology, and the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement and emergency response teams. The ability to deploy specialized units so quickly made all the difference in reuniting this individual with his loved ones. We sincerely thank the public for their support and commend all personnel involved for a job well done.”

This case joins the many examples of missing persons who were found thanks to organized, timely law enforcement response.

Quiet but Life-Saving Police Work

The Plainville Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Dept, METRO-LEC, and Plainville Fire Department showed how vital inter-agency teamwork is. It’s not every day that stories about missing persons who were found alive make the headlines, but when they do, they remind us of the quiet, important work happening behind the scenes.

This rescue didn’t just depend on technology, it relied on trained officers, solid communication, and departments working side-by-side. It’s one of those moments that highlights what’s possible when law enforcement agencies work together with a clear goal.

References

• Plainville police rescue an 86-year-old man reported missing - WJAR (by NBC 10 News)

• Drones aid in rescue of 86-year-old man, locating him in 17 minutes - Police1 (by Heather Morrison)

• Plainville police rescue missing 86-year-old man in woods - Newport Dispatch (by Daniel Duric)

• Missing 86-Year-Old Massachusetts Man Rescued by Drone Technology in 17 Minutes - Hoodline (by Mike Chen)

• Image source - Police1