VIDEO: Leander PD uses drone to help find suspects during brief pursuit

LEANDER, Texas - Five people, including four teens, were arrested after a brief pursuit in Leander last week.

Law enforcement credited drone technology to help in tracking the suspects.

The backstory:

Leander police said on May 6, around 3:52 p.m., officers responded to a report of an aggravated robbery in the 400 block of Sioux Trail. A 16-year-old victim said that while he was walking home, he was approached by a white SUV that had four teens and one adult inside.

The victim said all the people in the car began harassing him, and one of the teens showed him a weapon.

"The victim ran off. The suspects fled. Officers were close by in the area, so they responded, located the vehicle and then, shortly thereafter, located two suspects in one of our gated neighborhoods," said Lt. Mike Mohler, of the Leander Police Department.

Shortly after the incident, officers arrived on scene and within minutes, initiated a brief pursuit inside a nearby gated community. Two suspects were apprehended. 

During the pursuit, one of the suspects threw a backpack into a backyard while trying to evade police officers. The backpack was later found by officers.

Two guns and a controlled substance were found in the backpack. Police said one of the guns was stolen. 

The three other suspects were later found and apprehended without incident. 

All four teens and the adult were taken into custody on charges including: aggravated robbery, evading arrest or detention, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.

This was an isolated incident, and there was no threat to the public. 

Dig deeper:

During the foot pursuit, officers used drone technology to help in tracking the suspects. 

"Thanks to the quick response of patrol officers and the coordinated use of drone technology, the suspects were taken into custody within minutes, helping prevent further danger to residents in the area and reducing the risk of a prolonged search through neighborhood streets and backyards," the Leander Police Department said in a statement. 

"It's not only a law enforcement advantage, but it's also a fire advantage coming together to just help public safety and all," said Mohler.

"The drone was able to arrive on scene three minutes prior to the first unit arriving on scene. It confirmed a working structure fire, it confirmed the location of the fire and the site of the structure," said Tony Anguiano, division chief of the Leander Fire Department. "Time for extinguishment is critical. When we're able to confirm early that it's a working fire, our crews are able to act that much more effectively and deploy the resources efficiently."

The department used drones as part of the First Responders (DFR) test program. 

"We are only on a trial basis with this one particular company, but we were looking at many different vendors, obviously trying to see which one is the best fit for the Leander PD," Mohler said.

What they're saying:

"The Leander Police Department recognizes incidents involving weapons and juveniles are deeply concerning to the community. This case highlights the importance of rapid response, proactive policing strategies, and emerging technology in helping protect residents, neighborhoods, and families in Leander.
The department remains committed to working alongside the community to ensure Leander continues to be a safe place for residents, families, and visitors," Leander police said in a statement.

LeanderCrime and Public Safety