Drones help police capture Baltimore teens in car break-ins

In Harford County, Maryland, on November 25, law enforcement utilized advanced technology to enhance public safety when responding to vehicle theft reports. Around 4:21 a.m., deputies were alerted to suspicious activity on Deep Well Court, where witnesses noted two individuals dressed in black entering a black pickup truck. Following this report, deputies located the vehicle, which initiated a pursuit that ultimately led to the arrests of two juveniles aged 15 and 16 from Baltimore City for a spree involving the break-in of at least 21 cars in Abingdon and Joppa. Upon stopping the truck, officers discovered a loaded Glock 9mm handgun and several stolen items within the vehicle, including credit cards, thereby effectively increasing the level of public safety. This incident highlights the growing trend among law enforcement agencies across Maryland to employ drones in their operations, particularly for tracking and capturing suspects. Sheriff Gahler remarked on the capabilities of the drone, which was equipped with thermal imaging technology that allowed for the detection of the suspects’ body heat while they sought refuge in nearby woods. The rapid deployment of the drone was pivotal in pinpointing the juveniles' location, emphasizing the efficacy of this technology in law enforcement. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies in other counties, such as Howard and Montgomery, have reported similarly successful use of drones in apprehending suspects in various criminal activities over the past few months. This rise in drone usage signals a broader change in policing methods, with the potential to become standard equipment for police vehicles as they seek innovative ways to enhance crime prevention and public safety. The trend aligns with estimates from the ACLU, noting that around 80% of law enforcement agencies across the United States are incorporating drone technology into their operations, a figure that is expected to rise in the coming years.