A resident’s complaint sent a police drone into the skies over Redwood City yesterday, and officers say it ended with a drug arrest near the downtown library. Video from the department’s drone allegedly captured a hand-to-hand transaction, and a brief foot chase followed. During the pursuit, officers say the suspect ditched a cross-body satchel that was later recovered with suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and a digital scale inside.
Details From The Department
In a press release shared via the Redwood City Police Department, officials said officers operating a drone as part of the city’s Drone as First Responder program saw a man carry out what they described as a hand-to-hand narcotics sale near the downtown library yesterday.
Press Release: Community Complaint Leads to Narcotics Sales Arrest https://t.co/CKvdYRusxU
— Redwood City Police (@RedwoodCityPD) May 6, 2026
Ground officers moved in, and the chase continued into the 2500 block of El Camino Real, where the suspect allegedly tossed a satchel that officers later retrieved. According to the release, the bag held suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and a digital scale. Drone operators, the department said, had “observed a male engage in a hand-to-hand transaction.”
Police identified the man as 31-year-old Miguel Alvarado-Gonzalez of Redwood City. He was booked on counts that include possession of narcotics for sale (Health & Safety Code 11351) and possession of a controlled substance for sale (H&S 11378), as well as destroying or concealing evidence (Penal Code 135), resisting or obstructing a peace officer (PC 148) and an alleged probation violation under PC 1203.2(a), according to the release…