By Suzie Ziegler
BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — Police in Brookhaven, Georgia, say their drones are to thank for helping track down a robbery suspect, FOX 5 reported this week.
It all began when Brookhaven officers pulled over a driver that a license plate reader identified as being connected to an armed robbery in North Carolina, according to the report. Alton Johnson, 27, was taken into custody, but Shyquan Collins, 30, ran off.
Brookhaven PD’s Drone First Responder unit launched just seconds later, police told FOX 5. A mix of drone and bodycam video shows the drone operators and patrol officers working together to take Collins into custody. In the video, the drone operators guide officers to a dry storm water basin, where Collins surrenders.
Gary Yandura, Brookhaven’s Chief of Police, praised the combination of training and technology.
“This is yet another example of how we continue to implement state-of-the-art technology and training to advance our mission to make Brookhaven safe for our residents and visitors,” Yandura told FOX 5.
Johnson and Collins were booked on charges including obstruction. Collins was also wanted on an outstanding warrant in New York, according to FOX 5.
Brookhaven launched its drone program in April 2021, the report said.
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