A drone deployed by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office may have prevented serious injury or death after locating an intoxicated individual unconscious in below-freezing temperatures.
According to the sheriff’s office, a deputy launched the drone at night in a very rural area of the county before clearing from an unrelated incident. The deputy used the drone to check a nearby wooded area for anyone attempting to evade arrest or possibly in need of assistance.
During the search, the drone identified an individual who had passed out due to intoxication.
Authorities say prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures, especially when combined with heavy intoxication, can quickly become life-threatening.
The sheriff’s office says the individual was located in time for appropriate care to be provided.
Officials noted it is impossible to know exactly what might have happened if the drone had not been deployed, but said serious injury or death may have been prevented.
The sheriff’s office intentionally withheld additional details about the incident and the individual out of concern for the person’s privacy.
This story was done in conjunction with fellow Community First Broadcast station KIWA
