Bossier Sheriff’s Office Drone Deployment Saves Teens
A Bossier Sheriff’s Office drone operator used a UAV with thermal imaging to locate three teen runaways hiding in a wooded area off Highway 80 late at night. This case highlights the critical role drones play in law enforcement and public safety by offering a fast, safe, and effective way to search for missing persons, monitor dangerous areas, and reduce risks to officers.
Case Overview
On March 8, deputies were dispatched to the Haughton area after three juveniles fled from Camp Minden’s Youth Challenge Program. Witnesses saw the teens running into the woods, and ground units began a search near Highway 80. Because it was dark, a manual search would have been slow and dangerous. A deputy trained as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operator launched a drone equipped with a thermal camera, and within one minute, the teens were located. Deputies were guided to their exact position and safely recovered two of the runaways on scene.
Drone Video Evidence
The drone’s thermal imaging also captured one teen fleeing further. The video shows him crossing water, running through the woods, and dangerously sprinting across both lanes of I-20 in the dark. Seconds after he crossed, an 18-wheeler passed by — a chilling reminder of how drones can track suspects and protect lives in real time. The teen was not apprehended that night but remained in contact with Camp Minden officials.
Why Law Enforcement Uses Drones
Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington emphasized the importance of drone technology: “Having these drones is a priority. When we can launch a drone and immediately locate people like we did with these teens, that’s a success. Our next case might be a lost child, an elderly person, or an armed robbery suspect. We will be ready…and we will find you.”
This success story is just one example of how public safety drones with thermal imaging are changing the way agencies operate. From search & rescue missions to crime scene documentation and disaster response, drones provide unmatched efficiency, accuracy, and officer safety.
Equip Your Agency with the Right Tools
MAXSUR has worked with agencies nationwide to build effective drone programs tailored to their missions. Whether your team needs thermal imaging drones, search & rescue platforms, or tactical UAV solutions, our team can help. We’ve supported the deployment of thousands of complete drone systems and can assist with equipment selection, FAA compliance, and training.
Contact MAXSUR today at 314-270-2150 or ops@maxsur.com to discuss your agency’s needs. Let us help you launch a drone program that improves safety, saves time, and saves lives.