Police deploy drone to locate third suspect hiding after street encounter
Schenectady, NY – Three 18-year-olds were arrested and three illegal handguns were recovered following a street-level investigation that escalated into a coordinated search involving a police drone Thursday night.
Officers with the Schenectady County Street Crimes Task Force attempted to approach three individuals around 8:35 p.m. near State Street and Chestnut Street. During the encounter, two of the individuals were found to be carrying illegal handguns and were taken into custody at the scene.
Drone unit tracks down third suspect
Police said the third individual fled the area, prompting a search that included the department’s Drone Unit. The suspect was later spotted hiding in a backyard on Catherine Street.
“A short time later, the individual was seen by the Drone Unit hiding in the backyard of an address on Catherine Street,” police said.
Key Points
- Three 18-year-olds arrested during Schenectady street operation
- Three illegal handguns recovered by police
- Drone unit used to locate third suspect who fled scene
Police credit teamwork in safe resolution
The third suspect was taken into custody after officers were guided to his location by the drone pilot. He was also found to be in possession of an illegal handgun.
Those arrested were identified as Jerome W. Smalls, Genito R. Acosta, and Eeian M. Patterson, all of Schenectady. Each faces one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony.
“Our officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism and composure in responding to a dangerous, rapidly evolving situation,” said Police Chief Brian J. Whipple. “Their actions not only brought a volatile encounter to a safe resolution without injury, but also prevented these dangerous weapons from contributing to violence in our community.”