The Santa Ana Police Department deployed its advanced high-tech aerial units to stop a vehicle theft in progress. After patrol officers responded to a reported stolen vehicle near 2800 W. 1st St., the suspects and the vehicle had already fled the immediate area and were initially nowhere to be found.
Rather than letting the trail grow cold, the department’s Drone Team quickly launched its “Eagle 1” drone to survey the surrounding neighborhood from above. Within minutes, the drone located the stolen vehicle—a white commercial work truck—and spotted two suspects actively packing up property and preparing to flee. Using real-time aerial surveillance, the drone operator maintained a visual lock and guided ground officers straight to the exact location. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and arrested on multiple felony charges…