Orlando police found an innovative use of technology to apprehend a burglary suspect, who made an unconventional escape attempt. Last Thursday morning, Tyrell Staffine, 48, was caught by police following the theft from a local store. The arrest came with the aid of a police drone after the suspect retreated to a rooftop in a bid to dodge capture.
According to WESH, the incident unfolded when a business owner called the authorities after spotting a man on surveillance video inside her store after hours. The store's alarm had been triggered, and Staffine could allegedly be seen on camera, wielding a large bolt cutter behind the cash register. He is accused of stealing roughly $900 in coins and cigarettes, estimated at $2,000, totaling an estimated theft of $3,340.
Upon arrival at the business located at North Westmoreland Drive near West Colonial Drive, officers found Staffine on the roof of another nearby business. Making use of police drones, the officers tracked the suspect as he attempted to move out of sight. Reports indicate that Staffine eventually descended from his perch and was subsequently taken into custody.
The Orlando Police Department stated that Staffine faces multiple charges, including burglary of an occupied structure and grand theft. ClickOrlando added that the suspect was confronted after he used his tool to breach the store's register area, before his rooftop getaway attempt. The drone technology enabled police to keep a visual on the suspect until he surrendered, a move that possibly prevented a more prolonged and risky chase on foot.
Staffine now confronts the legal repercussions of his alleged actions, which, in addition to burglary and grand theft, include charges for possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief, and resisting officers without violence. His apprehension stands as a testament to the expanding role of technology in law enforcement operations, and a reminder to would-be offenders that such tools are reshaping the limits of evading capture.
