(WWJ) A reportedly suicidal man was found, and is doing OK, thanks to the help of the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit... and some pretty cool technology.
Troopers from the MSP Wayland Post were called in the dark of night to investigate the case of a missing man whom it was believed planned to harm himself.
Assisting from the air, MSP in a helicopter used thermal imaging to locate the man, and lead troopers who were on foot right to him, on the edge of some woods and a corn field at the Barry/Allegan County line.
Police released video of the operation, just after midnight Wednesday, in which they used a thermal imaging camera.
The thermal camera translates heat — i.e. thermal energy — into visible light to help analyze surroundings. In the image, the man and the troopers on foot appear as glowing white figures, despite the darkness.
"Alright, can you guide me in? Because our visibility is almost zero," said a trooper on the ground.
"Just keep walking north," replied a trooper in the sky. "He's right up in front of you... Probably ten yards off to your right; just on the outside of the corn."
Seconds later, troopers came in contact with the man.
"With the help of Aviation Trooper 1, the subject was located with minor injuries and transported to the hospital for evaluation," MSP said. "Excellent work!"
Details about the man, including his name and hometown, were not released.
Related
