Two people took off when Reno police approached a vacant duplex, but they didn't get far. An officer using a department drone tracked them to a nearby McDonald’s, where officers caught up with them.
The encounter ended with three people arrested in an investigation that began with a report of suspected utility tampering.
According to the Reno Police Department in an online post, officers made the arrests on Oct. 15 at a duplex on Vine Street. The property owner reported unauthorized people inside after utility companies identified suspected tampering with the water and electrical systems.
Further investigation revealed that several people were occupying the duplex and a detached garage without the owner's permission.
When officers arrived, two people fled. An officer operating a department drone tracked them to the nearby McDonald’s, allowing responding officers to locate and detain them.
The three people arrested were 53-year-old Joseph Allen, 44-year-old Benjamin Moreno, and 46-year-old Melissa Johnson. All three face unlawful occupancy charges. Allen also had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.
Officers booked all three into the Washoe County Jail.
During the investigation, officers also located and seized suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and prescription medication.
The department said the case highlights how technology and teamwork can help officers locate people attempting to evade law enforcement.
(Reno Police Department contributed to this story.)
