Drone Tracks Teen Suspects To Wooded Area After Police Chase Following Theft Reports: HCSO

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Two teenagers suspected of stealing from nearly two dozen vehicles in Harford County were tracked and arrested due in part to drone technology, authorities said.

At 4:21 a.m. Monday, Harford County sheriff's deputies were called to Deep Well Court in Abingdon for reports of thefts from vehicles. Officers found 21 vehicles had been rummaged through and items taken.

At 4:47 a.m., deputies were called to Doncaster Road in Joppa for additional reports of thefts from vehicles. Witnesses told officers they saw two suspects dressed in black climbing into a black pickup truck, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies found the vehicle on Falconer Road and started a brief pursuit. The suspects took the vehicle off-road on Barksdale Road, abandoning it before fleeing on foot. Inside the truck, deputies found a Glock 9mm handgun and numerous stolen items, including credit cards.

The sheriff's office used a drone to scan the area where the teens were last seen and pinpointed the suspects' location. They were hiding in a densely wooded area, but deputies were able to move in and apprehend the 15- and 16-year-old boys without incident.

"The integration of drone technology in this case not only ensured the suspects were found swiftly, but also enhanced the safety of responding deputies and the community," the sheriff's office said.

Deputies will continue to identify additional victims and stolen property and will revisit the affected neighborhoods. The sheriff's office reminded residents to lock their vehicles and report any suspicious activity.