A DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise drone outfitted with a spotlight was used by homicide detectives from the Atlanta Police Department to assist in the arrest of the murder suspect of Thomas Jefferson Byrd.

DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise drone used by APD homicide detectives to arrest murder suspect

The video from the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise drone was posted on Facebook and stated the following:

APD homicide detectives, use Crime Stoppers tips and drone technology to arrest suspect in murder of Thomas Jefferson Byrd.

Homicide detectives, following up on evidence and tips from citizens, identified a suspect in the shooting death of Thomas Jefferson Byrd who was killed on October 3rd.

On October 14, 2020, warrants for the arrest of 30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes of Atlanta for Felony Murder were issued and investigators from the APD Fugitive Unit began working to arrest Rhynes. In the early morning of Friday, October 16, 2020, the Fugitive Unit, in coordination with APD SWAT Officers, arrested Rhynes at Royal Oaks Apartments 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway. The suspect was taken to the Fulton County Jail.

The Atlanta Police Department is proud of the diligent efforts of the Homicide Unit in identifying the suspect in this case and for the skilled and professional work done by the Fugitive and SWAT Units to take Rhynes into custody without incident. This arrest reflects highly on the men and women of the Atlanta Police Department and represents the highest standards of policing. APD thanks the community for their tips in this case and reminds citizens that if you see something, say something by calling 911 or contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at (404) 577-TIPS (8477). Together we can make the City of Atlanta safer.

Especially impressive was the part in the video where the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise flies into the apartment through the opening left by the half-opened door. Good piloting skills and a strong transmission signal were required to pull that off.

DJI’s Senior Director of Public Safety Integration, Romeo Durscher said on Facebook:

“This is exactly what I had envisioned and pushed for over three years ago. A small platform with a spotlight and a speaker. From breach to suspect surrender in less than 2 minutes with a Mavic 2 Enterprise with a spotlight. This shows the mitigation of risk; everyone went home safely; except one didn’t go home. But he was taken in safe and uninjured.”

You can watch the video below.

APD homicide detectives used @StopCrimeATL tips & drone technology to arrest the suspect in the murder of Thomas Jefferson Byrd who was killed on October 3rd. Antonio Demetrice Rhynes was arrested with the help of APD's Fugitive, SWAT, & Homicide Units. https://t.co/kThNauZKJY pic.twitter.com/mlfpqdZc2b

— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) October 16, 2020

Here you can find more articles about drones for good.

Stay in touch!

If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or…

Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*

Submit tips If you have information or tips that you would like to share with us, feel free to submit them here. Support DroneXL.co: You can support DroneXL.co by using these links when you make your next drone purchase: Adorama, Amazon, B&H, BestBuy, eBay, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. We make a small commission when you do so at no additional expense to you. Thank you for helping DroneXL grow! FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.

* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.

Discover more from DroneXL.co

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Get your Part 107 Certificate

Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.

FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.