Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester Police Department’s drone came to the rescue of an elderly Byron man over the weekend and likely saved his life.

The wife of the 84-year-old man contacted the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Saturday after he failed to return from hunting. He had left home around 3:30 PM and she called about three hours later.

Deputies went to an area in the 7100 block of Valleyhigh Rd near County Road 3 and began an intense search. The man’s vehicle was located about 3/4ths of a mile from the road, stuck in a field drive. But the man could not be located so the RPD drone team was brought to the site.

After about an hour, the drone’s infrared detector located the man 200-300 yards from his vehicle in a marshy area. The man was wet and curled up in the fetal position and unresponsive.

He was taken to St. Marys Hospital where he was reported in good condition Monday morning.

With updates at the top and bottom of the hour, listen to Newstalk 1340 KROC-AM for the latest local and national news.

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