Drone assists Amarillo PD in capturing suspect after chase

Synopsis

In Amarillo, Texas, police used a Skydio X10 drone to apprehend a man who falsely reported a robbery. After being removed from a local bar for causing disturbances, the individual called 911, claiming he had been robbed—a claim later determined to be false. Witnesses reported that the man attempted to harm himself, but bystanders intervened and took away his weapon.

Responding swiftly, the Amarillo Regional Crime Center deployed Drone as First Responder (DFR) from a dock atop the police station, which arrived at the scene in under two minutes. The drone provided situational awareness from above for four minutes before ground units arrived. Upon police arrival, the suspect fled a parking lot, leading officers on a chase through city streets. The suspect crashed into another vehicle, exited his car, fled on foot, and eventually surrendered by lying on the ground. The entire incident, including the chase and arrest, was captured by the drone.