Police officers from the Ocean Township were dispatched to a report of a runaway juvenile on Thursday night.

Given the rapid drop in temperature, officers immediately mobilized and coordinated a search of the surrounding area.

A combination of high-tech tools and traditional detective work led to a successful rescue along Oyster Creek.

Using a newly acquired drone system alongside Life360 location-sharing technology, Sgt. Michael Matelski was able to narrow down the search area and locate a juvenile in a densely wooded area.

Thanks to the quick actions by the police officer and the integration of new technology it prevented what could have escalated into a serious or potential life-threating situation.

Ocean Township Police acquired the drone via an emergency management grant funding that is part of their commitment to improving public safety and emergency response capabilities.

The department currently has three FAA licensed pilots on their staff, allowing for 24/7 deployment to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.