The City of Campbell Police Department is leveraging the power of drone technology to enhance their crime-fighting efforts, and a recent incident at a local Home Depot showcases the effectiveness of this approach in real time. According to a social media post from the City of Campbell Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Home Depot on October 4 at approximately 4:09 PM after receiving reports of a theft in progress.
The swift deployment of the department's Drone as First Responder (DFR) program in tandem with their public safety camera network allowed the drone pilot to locate the suspect posthaste as the suspect fled the premises; the suspect was later identified as Jesse Urango, a 27-year-old San Jose resident. With guidance from the drone pilot, officers tracked Urango to a Hwy 17 overpass, whereupon the suspect attempted escape on foot, weaving in and out of traffic in a desperate effort to evade capture. This chase ultimately led the suspect to try to conceal himself by discarding his sweatshirt near some railroad tracks.
Undeterred by the suspect's attempts at subterfuge, the diligent drone pilot maintained visual contact and continued feeding real-time location updates to the pursuing officers, which was crucial in locating Urango as he sought refuge inside a dumpster. "Thanks to our Drone as First Responder (DFR) program and public safety camera network, our drone pilot quickly located the suspect and guided officers to his location," the Campbell Police Department said.
Once apprehended, Urango was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest, possession of methamphetamine, and theft. Although he was released from jail, his criminal history compend in Santa Clara County; Urango's record includes prior burglary and drug charges.
