Lamar County Sheriff’s Drone Locates Distressed Man Near FM 1497

On April 17, 2025, at approximately 9:25 P.M., the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male subject in a backyard who was last seen jumping over a neighbor’s fence in the 3500 block of FM 1497.

Earlier in the evening, the Paris Police Department had received several calls describing a man lying in the roadway and walking into traffic near the Cefco gas station on South Church Street — a short distance from the FM 1497 area.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they spoke with the homeowners who believed the individual could be their adult son. However, the subject had again fled the area before officers could make contact.

The Lamar County Sheriff’s Office quickly mobilized its drone team, assisted by detectives, Paris Police officers, Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers, and Lamar County Emergency Management. The subject was successfully located using aerial drone surveillance and transported to Paris Regional Health for evaluation and treatment.

“I commend my deputies for utilizing the Sheriff’s drone resources to locate this individual quickly and safely,” said Sheriff’s Office leadership. “Thanks to our citizens who called in reports, this individual was able to receive the help he needed.”

This incident highlights the importance of community awareness and the evolving role of drone technology in emergency response and public safety within Lamar County.