Video: Calif. Police Drone Tracks Down Suspects Loading Stolen Pickup Truck

After a stolen pickup truck disappeared before officers reached the scene, Santa Ana police used a drone to track down the vehicle and spot two suspects loading property as they prepared to flee.

What to Know

  • A Santa Ana Police Department drone helped locate a stolen pickup truck after suspects fled before officers arrived at the scene.
  • The Eagle 1 UAV quickly found the vehicle and spotted two suspects loading property into the truck while preparing to leave.
  • Drone operators guided officers to the suspects in real time, leading to their arrests on multiple felony charges.

A California police drone tracked down two suspects in a stolen pickup truck as they were loading property into the vehicle.

Santa Ana police responded to a stolen vehicle report Tuesday, but by the time officers reached the scene, the suspects and the vehicle were gone, the department stated in a social media post. That's when the Drone Team launched the department's Eagle 1 UAV.

"Within minutes, the drone located the stolen vehicle and spotted both suspects packing up property and preparing to flee," the department stated. "Using real-time aerial surveillance, the drone operator directed officers straight to the right location location."

Footage from the drone was included in the social media post.

The suspects were arrested, and they face multiple felony charges.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!