A 39-year-old man was arrested after police say he fled in a stolen car through south Reno before officers used aerial technology to track the vehicle and later recover it.
According to the Reno Police Department in an online post, officers found the stolen car during a proactive patrol on July 29.
Police said when officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly fled, running stop signs, driving through heavy traffic, and traveling the wrong way on a roadway.
Because of the danger to the public, officers ended the ground pursuit. The Reno Police Department’s RAPTOR Drone Team continued monitoring the suspect from the air until the car entered restricted airspace near the airport.
About 25 minutes later, officers located the stolen car at an apartment complex. During the investigation, officers identified and arrested Stanley Rogers after finding the car’s key in his possession and obtaining surveillance video that linked him to the stolen car.
Rogers was booked on charges including possession of a stolen motor vehicle, eluding police while endangering others, possession of drug paraphernalia, and an open container violation.
The stolen car was recovered and returned to its owner.
The Reno Police Department said the incident shows how technology like the RAPTOR Drone Team can help officers track suspects, reduce the need for dangerous pursuits and protect the community.
(The Reno Police Department contributed to this story.)
