A resident’s complaint sent a police drone into the skies over Redwood City yesterday, and officers say it ended with a drug arrest near the downtown library. Video from the department’s drone allegedly captured a hand-to-hand transaction, and a brief foot chase followed. During the pursuit, officers say the suspect ditched a cross-body satchel that was later recovered with suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and a digital scale inside.
Details From The Department
In a press release shared via the Redwood City Police Department, officials said officers operating a drone as part of the city’s Drone as First Responder program saw a man carry out what they described as a hand-to-hand narcotics sale near the downtown library yesterday.
Press Release: Community Complaint Leads to Narcotics Sales Arrest https://t.co/CKvdYRusxU
— Redwood City Police (@RedwoodCityPD) May 6, 2026
Ground officers moved in, and the chase continued into the 2500 block of El Camino Real, where the suspect allegedly tossed a satchel that officers later retrieved. According to the release, the bag held suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and a digital scale. Drone operators, the department said, had “observed a male engage in a hand-to-hand transaction.”
Police identified the man as 31-year-old Miguel Alvarado-Gonzalez of Redwood City. He was booked on counts that include possession of narcotics for sale (Health & Safety Code 11351) and possession of a controlled substance for sale (H&S 11378), as well as destroying or concealing evidence (Penal Code 135), resisting or obstructing a peace officer (PC 148) and an alleged probation violation under PC 1203.2(a), according to the release.
The department also reported that 73-year-old William Michael Addiego was cited on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine (H&S 11377(a)).
Booking And Custody
Alvarado-Gonzalez was booked into the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. It was not immediately clear whether bail was set.
Drone Program Context
The incident comes as the department continues to scale up its drone operations. Reporting from Redwood City Pulse notes that city leaders recently approved expanded drone coverage and that drones have been used in hundreds of incidents to provide rapid situational awareness.
Supporters argue that drones help officers locate suspects and evidence faster and keep officers out of harm’s way. Critics counter that expanded drone use raises ongoing concerns about privacy, surveillance and how far the program might eventually reach.
Legal Note
Under California law, possession of narcotics for sale is a felony under Health & Safety Code sections such as 11351, detailed by California Legislative Information. Simple possession of certain controlled substances falls under provisions including Health & Safety Code section 11377, as outlined by California Legislative Information.
Charges involving destroying or concealing evidence and resisting an officer are brought under the Penal Code, and alleged probation violations can lead to revocation under Penal Code section 1203.2, as described by FindLaw.
How To Report Tips
Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call the department’s non-emergency line at (650) 780-7100 or use its tip line. The city’s police pages list those numbers for non-emergency reports and general contact. For more on how to reach the department or file feedback, visit the City of Redwood City.
