St. Paul, MN Drone Rescue: Officers Pull 5-Year-Old From Pond

A 5-year-old boy was in a pond in St. Paul, Minnesota. He appeared to be struggling to get out. A drone reached the scene before police did. Police said the drone helped officers save his life Monday afternoon.

A 911 Call Behind the East Side Boys & Girls Club

Authorities received a 911 call for help around 1:30 p.m. Someone had spotted a child in a pond. The pond was behind the East Side Boys & Girls Club.

The St. Paul Police Department launched one of its docked drones. The drone reached the scene two minutes before police did. The drone told officers exactly where the child was and his status.

Family members told police the boy had autism. He wandered away from home without their knowledge.

Guiding Officers to the Boy by Drone

Sgt. Matt St. Sauver flew the police drone. He watched remotely from more than three miles away. He relayed the boy's location to Officer Adisak Sae Ma.

Officers arrived and safely pulled the boy from the water. Sae Ma was the officer who pulled him out. After the pond rescue, the 5-year-old was taken to Children's Hospital to be evaluated. No injuries were reported, according to police.

Sae Ma saw the boy panicking. He saw the boy's head go underwater. Sae Ma also spoke about this type of call. "A lot of time we respond to that type of call, it's already too late," said Sae Ma.

The Drone's Part in the Rescue

The drone gave police an eye in the sky. St. Sauver believed that without it, this story may not have had a happy ending. He also spoke about the job. "Just knowing that you can be there to help out the citizens and being there to help out the officers on scene to make their jobs easier, to make the best decisions and get the best result that we can possibly get," said St. Sauver.

Gratitude for Everyone Who Took Part

We are grateful to everyone who took part in this rescue. WeLovePolice is a nonprofit that supports police officers and their families. You can support our mission and help us keep honoring law enforcement. Read more stories like this one in our stories library.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do police drones help find a missing child near water?

A police drone flies above the search area and gives officers a clear view of the ground and the water. The pilot can spot a person from the air and tell officers on the ground exactly where to go, which saves valuable search time.

2. What is a docked police drone?

A docked police drone is a drone kept in a charging station, ready to launch the moment a call comes in. Because it waits at the dock, a department can send it to a scene quickly and get live video back to officers and dispatchers.

3. Can a police drone pilot fly the drone from far away?

Yes, trained pilots can fly a police drone remotely and watch its live video on a screen. They can then pass what they see to officers at the scene, even when the pilot is a long distance from the emergency.

4. What should you do if you see a child struggling in a pond?

Call emergency services right away and tell the dispatcher exactly where you are and what you see. Stay on the phone and follow the dispatcher's instructions, and do not put yourself in danger while trained help is on the way to the scene.

5. How can families lower the risk of an autistic child wandering away from home?

Families can talk with their child's doctor and local police about a safety plan and keep doors and gates secured. Some families also teach water safety and use identification, such as a bracelet, so a child can be returned quickly if found.

Sources:

• Story Source: St. Paul police use drone to help locate, rescue 5-year-old boy from pond - CBS Minnesota