By Sara Beth Williams–
A 36-year-old Fresno man was arrested over the weekend following a high-speed pursuit through Citrus Heights that ended with the help of a police drone equipped with thermal imaging, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department.
In a social media post shared shortly after 6 p.m., on Sunday Feb. 22, the department described a pursuit involving a driver who allegedly blew through a red light, drove without headlights and traveled the wrong way on a roadway.
According to police, the driver ditched the vehicle in an open field and fled on foot into nearby neighborhoods. Officers say the suspect ran through fences and backyards in an attempt to evade capture under the cover of darkness.
But officers were not searching alone.
An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) officer launched a drone equipped with thermal imaging technology, allowing officers to track the suspect’s movements from above in real time. Police said the aerial view enabled ground units to adjust positions and coordinate their response, while decreasing the risk to officers and the public.
“Every move tracked. Every turn anticipated,” the department wrote.
After jumping additional fences, the suspect was met by officers who were already in position.
Simon Ponce, 36, of Fresno, was arrested on suspicion of felony evading and driving under the influence, police said.
In its post, the department emphasized the role of modern technology in safely resolving the incident.
