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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: DPD Utilizes Drone to Locate 12-Year-Old
BY: Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Missing Child
CASE NO.: 24042340
INCIDENT DATE: 4/3/2024
INCIDENT TIME: 9:45 a.m.
INCIDENT LOCATION: 500 blck W Stowe St
DPD Utilizes Drone to Locate 12-Year-Old
Duluth Police responded to the 500 block of W Stowe St for a report of a 12-year-old female who stated they were going to run away into the woods. While enroute to the call, officers learned from administration at Stowe Elementary that the female was not a student at the school as all students were accounted for.
Upon arrival to the area, a member of the Drone Unit launched a drone and located the 12-year-old in a wooded area. The location of the female was then relayed to other officers who were able to make contact her.
The juvenile female was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation.
Great work to officers on B-crew for safely locating this child and bringing her back home. This call showcases the public safety benefits of utilizing this new technology. Deployment of this drone greatly increased the speed and efficiency of locating this child safely.
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