Wisconsin Police Use Drone to Track Down OWI Suspect After Hit-and-Run Crash
SUN PRAIRIE, WISCONSIN — A 36-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) after a hit-and-run crash early Wednesday morning — thanks to quick work by officers using a police drone to track him down.
Crash Leads to Drone Deployment
According to the Sun Prairie Police Department, an officer on patrol spotted a vehicle crash along Davison Drive just after midnight. The airbags had deployed, but the driver had fled the scene.
That same officer — who is also a trained drone operator — immediately deployed a drone to search the surrounding area. Additional officers joined the scene as the drone scanned the neighborhood and located the suspect hiding in backyards nearby.
“Officers on the perimeter were directed to the suspect’s location,” the department said. “After a short foot pursuit, he was taken into custody without injury.”
Suspect Faces OWI and Hit-and-Run Charges
Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested and cited for:
- OWI (First Offense)
- PAC (Prohibited Alcohol Concentration, First Offense)
- Hit and Run to an Unattended Vehicle
The parked vehicle that was struck was legally parked at the time of the collision. Its owner has since been contacted and provided with full information about the incident.
Drone Program Credited for Quick Arrest
Officials praised the Sun Prairie Police Drone Program, saying it continues to prove valuable for both officer safety and community response.
The department noted that the technology allowed officers to quickly contain the scene, locate the suspect, and make an arrest without escalation or injuries.
Police say the case remains under review and that no additional injuries were reported.
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