Drones are deputies’ extra eyes in the sky in search for missing Lincoln man

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – From high-tech equipment in the air to several investigators on the ground, the search for 35-year-old Tyler Goodrich continues.

Investigators continue to follow leads, interview witnesses and comb through evidence to piece together what happened Friday night.

Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said the sheriff’s office will meet with the FBI on Thursday to look over the case.

“They’ve offered their assistance,” he said. “They’re concerned, just like we are concerned.”

SEE ALSO: Missing Lancaster County man’s husband is ‘not a suspect,’ deputy says

Houchin said the public will continue to be a big help in the case. He said it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

“We’re more than willing to keep doing whatever it takes to find Tyler,” he said. “Our big hope is he’s someplace, and we’re going to bring him home safe.”

On Wednesday, search and rescue personnel returned to their efforts with the help of many resources, including drones.

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Sgt. Drew Bolzer, a drone operator for the sheriff’s office, said the agency has been using the aircraft for years.

“They’re really a valuable tool, and they’re a great officer safety thing of being able to put that into a situation that we don’t want to put human beings into if we don’t have to.”

Nebraska State Patrol helicopters are also helping in the search from the air.

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Bolzer said the drones are equipped with a thermal camera to detect temperature ranges and provide a better aerial view.

“You can get a general overall eye from the sky and understand where someone came from and understand the obstacles that are in the way,” he said.

Through the camera, deputies can look for ground disturbances, which could help paint a better picture.

For example, they can see where debris has moved.

“Like when you’re wet, you’re carrying stuff with you, and then you’re disturbing the ground,” Bolzer said.

SEE ALSO: ‘We need to bring Tyler home’: Family, friends and deputies search for Lancaster County man

The sheriff’s office is asking residents in the area near Goodrich’s home to “check their property.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 402-441-6500 or dispatch at 402-441-6000.