AUBURN, Wash. — The Auburn Police Department used a drone to help catch a driver – accused of pulling a gun during a road rage incident.
Officers were called to the area of Third Street Northwest and C Street Northwest just after 5 p.m. on September 15.
Investigators said the incident began as the two cars were driving near State Route 18 and West Valley Highway. The two later continued toward West Main Street and C Street Northwest, where the drivers exchanged words.
The reporting driver told officers the other motorist then pulled out what looked like a handgun. Fearing for his safety, the driver tried heading toward the police department – and said the other driver followed him until turning into a nearby parking lot.
As officers responded, Auburn Police deployed its Skydio Drone as First Responder (DFR) system to help find the car and track it until officers could pull them over and arrest them.
Officers recovered a gun during the investigation and established probable cause to arrest the suspect for felony harassment. He was booked into the King County Jail.
Auburn Police launched its drone program in 2019 and has continued expanding its use of technology to support investigations and public safety efforts. The department’s trial of the system is scheduled to conclude on Oct. 9.
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