Innovative Police Drone Work Leads to Arrest in Nanuet Domestic Dispute

A Family Argument Escalates

A domestic dispute in Nanuet, NY, escalated into violence and led to the police drone-assisted arrest of a 33-year-old man. The Clarkstown Police Department was called to the scene at around 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 11, following reports of a physical altercation between a father and son.

The Situation Intensifies

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the altercation had turned physical inside the family home, according to The Patch. The son, now the suspect in the case, reportedly punched his father multiple times in the face. When police tried to intervene, the son obstructed his father’s exit from the front door. The father eventually managed to escape through a rear door and approached the officers, while his son fled the scene through the same exit.

Advanced Search Tactics

The search for the son involved additional officers who canvassed the area. The situation called for the deployment of the department’s UAV (Drone) and K9 unit to assist in the search. It was K9 Shadow, along with the drone unit, that played a crucial role in locating the suspect. The drone operators quickly spotted the son moving through a marshy, wooded area and directed officers and K9 Shadow to his location. He was apprehended without further incident.

Medical Attention and Charges

Both men received medical treatment at the scene for injuries sustained during the initial altercation. The 33-year-old was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, a felony, and two misdemeanors: third-degree assault and second-degree unlawful imprisonment. He was arraigned and sent to Rockland County Jail pending a future court date.

Privacy and Support

Detective Norman Peters, Clarkstown Public Information Officer, stated that the names in the domestic assault case are not being released. The Clarkstown police also reminded the public that if anyone is a victim of domestic violence, help is available through the Center for Safety & Change.

Presumption of Innocence

It is important to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant in this case, as in all criminal cases, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This incident highlights the effectiveness of combining traditional police work with technological advancements like police rones and K9 units in responding to complex and potentially dangerous situations.