Peace officer assist - Suspect in woods

Clinton County

09/27/2025 @ 19:58

AFRS Assists in Suspect Hiding in Wooded Area - Clinton County, Ohio

AFRS was honored to support the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office during a suspect search. Using our thermal imaging, public-safety-grade drones, AFRS provided aerial support to law enforcement on the evening of the incident.

AFRS Incident Notes:

(All times approximate) 18:30 – AFRS received a request for assistance from the Sheriff’s Office regarding an active incident. Estimated time of arrival provided: 15 minutes.

18:42 – AFRS arrived on scene in an off-road, wooded area.

18:42 – Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect just prior to AFRS drone team deployment.

19:00 – Suspect transported by regional EMS personnel for evaluation and care.

19:00 – AFRS drone flights initiated to assist with evidence search.

19:40 – Thermal imaging identified existing trails within the woods, enabling deputies to more safely and efficiently navigate difficult terrain (thorns/briars). Trail locations and easiest travel routes were relayed to ground teams by drone.

20:00 – Drone anti-collision strobes assisted search teams with exiting the woods safely in darkness.

20:06 – AFRS cleared the scene.

Summary

This response highlights the power of interagency teamwork and the effective use of available resources to achieve a common goal: protecting the community.

AFRS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fire, search, and rescue organization operating under the authority of ORC 9.60. We are authorized to provide shared emergency services to any government agency in Ohio and are a registered FEMA disaster services provider.

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