According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Spokesperson Pete Piringer, a driver who mistakenly followed GPS directions onto the Lake Needwood Westside Trail in Derwood was safely located uninjured with the help of a thermal drone and Montgomery County Park Police.
Park Police were assisted by Tim Pruss, founder of MyDrone.Pro, an avid remote pilot enthusiast, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certified, and operator of a popular social media account that showcases aerial images of Montgomery County and beyond.
Derwood, MD 8:42PM – Tonight I was fortunate enough to be able to assist #MCFRS with my thermal drone in finding a missing person at Needwood Lake Park trails IAO West Side Trail. @mcfrsPIO @CordellTraffic @HHFireProds @ArmisteadIsaac @mcfrs @MoCoFireWire @Lawzfirephotos… pic.twitter.com/8zromjMvTW
— MyDrone.Pro (@MyDronePro) April 29, 2025
He was Lost & Now He’s Found @ParkPolice – Misguided motorist (GPS) mistakenly ended up on Lake Needwood Westside Trail @MontgomeryCoMD driver was located uninjured – much assistance by @MyDronePro https://t.co/eEAigLqtQs
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 29, 2025