ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. — A burglary suspect was apprehended on Saturday morning at Bard College after being located by a drone unit from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said. The incident began around 4 a.m. when deputies responded to a report of a forced entry into a campus building, where artwork was stolen.
The suspect, identified as Artin Krasniqi of Red Hook, N.Y., fled on foot following the burglary. The Sheriff’s Office UAS (Drone) Unit was deployed, using a thermal imaging camera and spotlight to search the surrounding area. The drone operators identified Krasniqi hiding in a nearby wooded area and relayed his position to deputies on the ground, who then took him into custody.
The case has since been handed over to the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau. Krasniqi has been charged with one count of third-degree burglary and, as required by law, was released with an appearance ticket, officials said.
“The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office UAS Unit routinely responds to assist the DCSO Patrol Bureau and numerous other agencies with various types of emergencies, including fleeing felons,” the Sheriff’s Office noted in an online statement.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the stolen artwork was recovered. Further information regarding the nature of the stolen pieces has not yet been disclosed.
