Moment on-the-run suspect is caught by police drone as he hides on roof
A suspected thief on the run was caught hiding on the roof of a building when his hiding place was spotted by a police drone.
Kent Police officers on patrol had ordered a vehicle bearing false plates to stop in Strood. Instead, the driver and passenger inside refused and were chased into Chatham where they both abandoned the car and fled the scene.
One of them, an 18-year-old from London, was quickly found hiding in a garden nearby by police dogs and arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
To find his pal, a drone took flight and spotted him hiding on a nearby roof. An image released by Kent Police showed the unaware thief hiding out as arresting officers moved in. Kent Fire and Rescue brought him down safely and he was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
A spokesman for the force said: “A suspected thief who hid from officers on the roof of a building was arrested after being spotted by a police drone. Shortly after 2am on Thursday 29 February 2024 a vehicle on false plates failed to stop for patrols in Strood and after being pursued was abandoned in Brenchley Close, Chatham.
'Dangerous' driver sparks fury after placing 'insane' note on back window"Two men believed to have been travelling in the vehicle fled the scene and hid from officers, with one being found with the assistance of a police dog hiding in a garden in nearby Rosebery Road. A drone piloted by PC Andy Green was then deployed to help search for the second man, also 18 and from London, who was found lying on the roof of a property in Balfour Road. He was brought down safely with the assistance of Kent Fire and Rescue Service and arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Both men were taken into custody and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.”