A missing elderly woman from Maryland was found and safely returned to her family after spending hours lost in a dense wooded area in Prince George’s County on Monday.
The search, which stretched from morning until late afternoon, was supported by both ground teams and aerial support from the county’s Police Aviation Section.
The police helicopter, Guardian, equipped with a FLIR thermal imaging camera, played a pivotal role in the search. Corporal Jessica Johnson from the Aviation Section described the challenges, noting that the area off Nottingham Road in Croom, Maryland, included thick forest, farmland, and numerous animals, complicating the task.
Detecting the woman’s movement among other search teams and wildlife, Johnson eventually identified her by distinguishing her khaki clothing from others in the vicinity.
Prince George’s County Police Aviation Unit, renowned as one of the top five in the nation, has gained recognition for its effectiveness in such rescues, underscoring the critical role of specialized training and equipment in locating missing persons in complex environments.