York police locate missing Markham man using wristband tracker

York Regional Police located a 69-year-old man, missing from Markham, on Wednesday with the help of a battery-operated wristband tracker.

Participants of the police's Project Lifesaver program wear a personal, one-ounce, battery-operated wristband that transmits a FM radio frequency 24-hours a day, according to a Thursday news release.

That frequency can be detected using a mobile tracking system, which police say helps them find and protect vulnerable citizens.

According to the release, officers were able to pinpoint the man's exact location on a TTC bus in the area of McCowan Road and Finch Avenue.

York police released video footage of the rescue, capturing the officers learning the missing man had been found.

In the video, various police officers can be heard saying, "Project Lifesaver is going off. Just confirming you found him? Got him. Let's go. They got him? They got him. Let's go. Let's go. Wow. That's insane. No way that could've been done without this helicopter."

Project Lifesaver eligibility

According to the police's program website, in order to be eligible for Project Lifesaver the participant must meet some requirements.

The person must be living with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's, dementia, autism or another condition that puts a person at risk of wandering. They must be monitored by, or reside with, a caregiver, or in a section of a facility that is not secure.

The participant must live in York Region, and they must not be involved in un-supervised activities that might increase risk of wandering. They also must not operate a motor vehicle.

Applicants can contact York police's community engagement and wellbeing team.