Ian Drummond-Smith

In a nationwide first, a drone was successfully used to disarm an armed suspect, helping bring the incident to a safe resolution. Sacramento Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT) had the residence surrounded. The known felon and Parolee-At-Large was seen earlier with a firearm. After not responding to negotiators, a drone was deployed inside the residence. Drone pilots located the suspect hiding in a corner of a garage. One of his hands was concealed under his body, and the other was holding a knife. He was obviously alive, but not responding. Was he pretending to be dead or simply lying in wait for deputies to approach? Rather than rush into a potentially deadly encounter, one drone pilot came up with an innovative solution. By attaching a powerful magnet to the drone, the pilot was able to safely remove the knife from the suspect’s hand before deputies moved in. It was an incredible display of creativity, skill, and precision by the drone pilot. It’s also worth noting that our drones are labeled as “military equipment” (even though anyone can purchase them at their local Walmart), but are really just another piece of technology helping deputies resolve dangerous situations safely. Their use protects both law enforcement personnel and suspects.