Another success story coming from the Arlington Police Department, further displays the effectiveness and capabilities drone technology provides for law enforcement personnel when operating against fleeing criminals.

On August 21st, 2021, officers patrolling the area of Matlock Road and Bardin Road, spotted a physical altercation occurring at a nearby gas station. As they pulled into the gas station, a female had stated her boyfriend had just assaulted her, but upon police presence, he fled the area. Eye witnesses stated the suspect had ran into a nearby storage facility.

In response, officers set up a perimeter around the fenced-in facility and contacted the Arlington Aviation Unit to provide aerial drone support. Upon deploying the drones, aviation officers began scanning the area using thermal imaging. Within their first moments of scanning, officers were able to spot the suspect hiding on the roof of a storage building. Just when he thought he was in the clear, this amazing drone technology captured him within seconds.

As a result, ground officers were directed to the exact building the suspect was hiding on. Displayed in the body worn camera footage, the officer began commanding the suspect to approach the sound of his voice. The suspect complied and was later booked. The man was not identified, but was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Unlawful Restraint, and Evading.