PLAINVILLE — Chief James Floyd and the Plainville Police Department are pleased to report the successful rescue of an 86-year-old man who went missing from his residence Thursday night.
On Thursday, March 13, at approximately 8:20 p.m., the department received a report that the individual had last been seen around 7 p.m. He was wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. Due to his age, the length of time he had been missing and the current temperature of 36 degrees, Sgt. O’Connell immediately coordinated response efforts with Officers Hodson, Bailey and Waite.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sgt. O’Connell requested the deployment of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METRO-LEC), a regional mutual aid organization consisting of 46 cities and towns in southeastern Massachusetts. METRO-LEC provides specialized units, including search and rescue, drones, K-9 teams, tactical bicycle units, marine services, crisis negotiators and investigative units. Additionally, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Foxborough Barracks and the MSP Air Wing responded to assist in the operation.
Within 40 minutes, METRO-LEC deployed multiple specialized teams, including its drone unit, K-9 team, tactical bicycle unit, investigative services unit, and search-and-rescue team. Three drones were launched, conducting a grid search covering more than two miles of dense terrain near the power lines in Plainville.
At 9:47 p.m., 17 minutes after deployment of the drones, the METRO-LEC drone unit successfully located the missing individual in a wooded area near the power lines. Search-and-rescue team members, along with Plainville Fire Department paramedics, quickly reached the location, provided on-site medical evaluation and transported the individual to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he is in stable condition.
Chief Floyd praised the rapid response, professionalism, and expertise of METRO-LEC and assisting agencies.
“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,” Chief Floyd said. “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.”
The Plainville Police Department extends its gratitude to METRO-LEC, Massachusetts State Police, the Plainville Fire Department, and all officers and first responders who played a crucial role in this operation.
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