In a groundbreaking operation, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office used a drone to disarm a wanted parolee during a standoff last Thursday.
The incident occurred during a standoff, where 30-year-old Austin Carter, a registered sex offender, was barricaded inside a home. Deputies surrounded the area, evacuating nearby residents as a precaution.
The sheriff’s office reported that Carter was seen earlier with a firearm and was hiding in the garage, armed with a knife, but seemingly unresponsive. Deputies sent in a drone, Sgt. Edward Igoe stated, “We determined with the drones that he was still alive. He was still breathing.” They recalled the drone and in a creative move, deputies attached a magnet to a DJI Avata 2 drone and sent it back in, which successfully removed the knife from Carter’s hand.
The drone’s intervention allowed a police K-9 to apprehend Carter without incident.
Carter, who faces multiple felony charges, is being held without bail and is scheduled for a court appearance today. This innovative use of technology marks a first in law enforcement, showcasing the potential of drones in safely resolving high-risk situations.
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