Teen found safe in Charlotte County thanks to K9 and drone teamwork

CHARLOTTE COUNTY - A missing 17-year-old was quickly found in freezing temperatures thanks to the teamwork of Cpl. Steven Sella and K-9 Zoe, a trained bloodhound from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

The search began after the teenager fled a supervised residence on Feb. 1. With temperatures at 32 degrees, urgency was key. K-9 Zoe picked up the scent and led the team through nearby streets toward a park.

As the search continued, an aerial drone spotted movement near the park. K-9 Zoe and deputies coordinated efforts, and the teenager was safely located near a gazebo.

Cpl. Sella, a seasoned handler, and K-9 Zoe demonstrated the power of collaboration between scent detection and drone technology.