The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 8 that deputies quickly arrested a burglary suspect in the Stratmoor Valley area with the help of drone technology.
Authorities said that on May 6, at about 2:49 PM, a call was received reporting a burglary in progress at a home on Maxwell Street. The caller described the suspect as wearing a black or blue sweater and driving a blue four-door car.
Patrol deputies responded while a Detective from the Intelligence-Based Operations Center launched a Drone as a First Responder. According to officials, the drone arrived within three minutes and allowed detectives to observe the suspect loading boxes into a blue Saturn sedan near the residence. Detectives relayed real-time updates and an accurate description of the suspect to responding deputies, who intercepted her before she could leave.
The investigation identified April Gonzalez, age 43, as having unlawfully entered the residence and stolen several items. She was booked into jail on charges of second degree burglary and theft but was later released on a personal recognizance bond under state guidelines.
“Technology continues to be a valuable tool in helping deputies respond quickly, track suspects in real time, and hold criminals accountable,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Tools like our Drone as a First Responder program enhance officer safety and leverage technology in greater ways to solve criminal activity and provide justice for victims.”
