The confrontation took place in Sacramento county in early June when police tracked a suspect wanted on felony charges.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, members of the Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT unit) surrounded the man's residence after receiving information that he was carrying a firearm.
Negotiators attempted to contact the suspect without success, leading police to deploy a small drone inside the home to assess the situation.
Video released by the sheriff's office showed the drone slowly moving until it located the suspect lying in a cluttered garage corner. The man was motionless on the floor, one arm tucked under him, the other clutching a knife.
Police stated it was unclear whether he was unconscious, feigning incapacitation, or waiting to ambush officers as they entered the room. Instead of risking a direct confrontation, one of the drone operators proposed a bold idea.
The officer attached a powerful magnet to the drone and skillfully maneuvered the device close to the suspect's hand. The video shows the drone hovering directly above the knife before the magnet firmly attached to the blade and pulled it from the subject's grasp.
After the knife was safely secured, police proceeded to arrest the suspect without incident.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office posted a video of the drone disarming the suspect on Facebook, garnering over 5 million views in 12 hours.
"For the first time nationwide, a drone was successfully used to disarm an armed suspect, helping to resolve the incident safely," the Sheriff's Office stated.
The agency also praised the quick thinking of the drone operator, describing it as "an excellent demonstration of creativity, expertise, and precise control."
While drones have been widely deployed by US police in search and rescue operations, crime scene documentation, and suspect surveillance, authorities noted that using a drone to actively disarm a suspect may be a recorded first.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office views drones as a technological tool that helps police resolve dangerous situations without risking lives. "The deployment of drones contributes to ensuring the safety of both police and suspects," the Police Department stated.
The Sheriff's Office has not released the suspect's identity nor provided additional information about the related charges. However, officials stated the incident was resolved without gunfire, thanks in part to the magnet-equipped drone and the impromptu decision – an approach that could open new avenues for future law enforcement tactics.
Tue Anh (according to Nypost)
