Lake County, FL – A man calling for help in the woods near Paisley was rescued and later arrested after deputies used drone technology to locate him on Tuesday night.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 45000 block of Bear Street around 7:45 p.m. on September 23, 2025, after residents reported hearing a man screaming.
Deputies launched a drone and quickly spotted the man, later identified as Anthony Lewis, tangled in thick vegetation. To assist deputies on the ground, RTCC drone pilots remotely took control of the aircraft and guided search teams directly to the subject.
Authorities said Lewis was unharmed but unable to exit the woods on his own. When deputies reached him, they discovered he had active warrants and took him safely into custody.
The sheriff’s office noted that this incident marked the first operational use of Remote Pilot Operations by the agency, highlighting how drone technology is enhancing both public safety and field support for deputies.
“This is a great example of technology helping us respond quickly and effectively,” officials said in the announcement.
Residents in the area reported hearing the man’s cries for help before contacting authorities. Deputies credited both the community’s alertness and the new drone program for the successful outcome.
