A man linked to a stolen work van was arrested after a thermal-imaging drone tracked him through dense woodland and a bee farm in Pierce County, Washington.
Pierce County sheriff’s deputies were called to the area near 10500 19th Avenue Court East on Friday morning after the van was found near a ditch. A witness told officers they had seen a man removing tools from the vehicle before he fled into nearby brush.
Thermal drone used in search
Deputies deployed a drone fitted with thermal imaging to search the woodland, but the suspect was able to conceal himself inside a particularly dense thicket. Court documents state that several initial sweeps failed to detect him.
Deputy Carly Cappetto said the technology had become an important resource for officers searching areas where there were not enough personnel on the ground.
“Drones are a significant help. It’s another tool for us to use,” she said. “We don’t have tons of boots on the ground to find a suspect hiding in the woods.”
After repeated passes, the drone eventually identified the man’s location. Deputies then made their way through a bee farm to reach the thicket and surround him.
Body-camera footage showed bees crossing the screen as officers approached and ordered the suspect to raise his hands. He questioned why he was being detained and told deputies he had gone into the brush to use the bathroom.
“What did I do, man?” he asked, before saying: “I was taking a s***.”
Hearing delayed over interpreter requirement
The man faces a charge of obstructing a law enforcement officer. His scheduled court appearance on Monday was delayed because an interpreter was needed.
The investigation remains active. Deputy Cappetto also warned motorists not to leave vehicles running unattended, saying the incident was a reminder of the risk of opportunistic thefts during colder weather.
