OSP Locates Missing Person Near Newport

On August 11th, the Oregon State Police (OSP) Newport Patrol Office responded to a report of a missing person from a campground north of Newport. The adult individual, who experiences developmental disabilities, was known to be non verbal. They were familiar with the campground and often took short walks in the area. However, when they did not return within the expected timeframe, the family became concerned.

OSP asked for assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for a drone resource to help in located the missing person. The pilot on duty that day was Deputy Casey Elfstrom. Deputy Elfstrom is a deputy assigned to the Depoe Bay contract and responded from Depoe Bay to assist OSP. Upon his arrival he was updated with a description of the subject and took flight. He located a matching individual and was able to fly the drone at an appropriate level and distance to confirm it was in fact the individual.

Thanks to the assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office the individual was located walking along the beach. An OSP trooper contacted the individual and walked with them along the shoreline for nearly an hour until they were safely reunited with their family. The person was not injured and did not require any medical care.