Petaluma Police Use Drone To Apprehend Suspect

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department recently used a drone to apprehend a suspect.

It happened Jan. 20 when dispatchers received a call regarding a significant disturbance in the 700 block of Lakeville Circle.

Officers learned the suspect fled on foot so they mobilized Petaluma Police Department unmanned aircraft system —UAS or drone —and deployed it within a perimeter set by the officers who initially responded.

Within 15 minutes of deploying the drone, the suspect was found trying to hide, police said. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Police did not disclose details about the incident or the suspect's name but said it demonstrated that drones were just one way the department provides added security to the city.

"In addition to offering enhanced real-time footage and access to difficult areas, drones provide law enforcement with a cost-effective alternative to helicopters, improved officer safety, instant access to critical incidents, invaluable support in search and rescue, and greater transparency for the community," police said in a statement. "We are grateful to join the many agencies that have successfully integrated this advanced technology into their operations, and are already benefiting from the program."

The Petaluma City Council approved the police department's use and purchase of unmanned aerial systems and an unmanned ground vehicle in August 2023.

After receiving authorization, the Department purchased eight drones and one UGV for a total cost of $34,188 and paid $4,300 for officers to be trained on their use, according to Petaluma PD's Annual Military Equipment Use Report for July 2023 to June 2024. The police department noted there were no operational deployments for emergency incidents through June 2024.