by Drone Helps Law Enforcement Capture Suspect Hiding in Kentucky Woods
Leitchfield, Kentucky – In a dramatic turn of events, law enforcement officers in Leitchfield successfully apprehended a suspect who was hiding in the woods with the help of a drone. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office reported that the drone played a crucial role in locating and capturing 40-year-old Henry Harris on Saturday.
The incident began when deputies responded to a call regarding a violation of a Domestic Violence Protective Order on Armes-Lively Road. Harris’s mother, an elderly woman, had filed an Emergency Protective Order against him after he made threats to harm her and assaulted her in the past. She also accused him of making fraudulent charges on her debit card and consistently terrorizing her.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they suspected that Harris was still on the property. They called for the deployment of the County’s drone to assist in the search. Using Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology, the drone pilot was able to locate Harris lying in a ditch approximately 100 yards away from the house.
As deputies approached Harris, he attempted to flee on foot, leading them through challenging terrain and barbed wire fences. However, they managed to tackle him and place him under arrest. Harris now faces multiple charges, including wanton endangerment of a police officer, fleeing or evading police, criminal mischief, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a Kentucky Emergency Protective Order/Domestic Violence Order.
Sheriff Norman Chaffins praised the drone’s contribution to the successful operation, stating, “The drone that the County received is a valuable tool for our law enforcement. In this case, we were able to prevent a potentially violent domestic incident by apprehending the perpetrator before he hurt someone. This was a perfect situation to use the drone. It not only kept our deputies safe but also our K-9 as we did not have to deploy Zeus to locate the suspect.”
This incident highlights the growing importance of drones in law enforcement operations. With their ability to provide aerial surveillance and locate suspects in challenging environments, drones are becoming an invaluable tool for ensuring public safety.
The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its community and remains committed to utilizing the latest technology to enhance their law enforcement capabilities.
