Suspect runs into woods but drone and K9 team close in fast
Syracuse, NY — A late-night police pursuit turned into a coordinated high-tech search that ended with a suspect in custody and a loaded handgun recovered from a wooded area.
The incident unfolded around 1:43 a.m. April 17 when Syracuse Police assisted the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit that ended near Burnet Avenue and Hickock Avenue.
Authorities said the suspect fled on foot into a heavily wooded area, prompting a multi-agency response. Officers deployed a drone, operated by Officer Millett, which tracked the suspect’s movement through dense cattails and guided officers on the ground.
K9 Chiro and handler Officer Rajchel responded to the scene and located the suspect hiding in the brush. After verbal commands were issued, the suspect surrendered without incident.
During a follow-up search, drone footage revealed a heat signature in the area. K9 Chiro was directed to the location and recovered a loaded handgun concealed in the cattails.
Police said the suspect is facing multiple felony charges, including weapons offenses, and was also wanted on an outstanding felony warrant out of Maryland.
The investigation remains ongoing.
────────────────────────────────
Key Points
- Suspect fled into wooded area after vehicle pursuit in Syracuse
- Drone and K9 units used to locate suspect and hidden firearm
- Loaded handgun recovered and suspect faces multiple felonies