Drone-Assisted Capture: Escaped Prisoner Nabbed in Beaverton

According to a recent report from the Hillsboro News Times, law enforcement in Beaverton, Oregon, successfully employed drone technology to apprehend an escaped prisoner from Washington state. The incident showcases the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern policing.

The Escape and Initial Encounter

Dean Allen Bromley, 32, from The Dalles, had escaped from the Washington State Department of Corrections. On Sunday, June 23, Beaverton police stopped Bromley for a traffic violation near the Elmonica MAX station. When questioned, Bromley provided a false identity, triggering suspicion among the officers.

The Chase and Drone Deployment

As police attempted to detain him, Bromley fled on foot. Responding swiftly, officers set up a perimeter and called for drone support. The Washington County Deputies’ Remote Operated Vehicle Team (ROVT) quickly arrived on the scene.

“Washington County Deputies from the Remote Operated Vehicle Team (ROVT) responded, deploying a drone to locate Bromley hiding in heavy brush,” the report stated.

ROVT: A Multi-Agency Drone Unit

The ROVT is an impressive example of inter-agency cooperation, combining resources from the Hillsboro Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Beaverton Police Department. This specialized unit consists of 12 trained members who operate a fleet of 25 drones and an avatar robot.

The avatar robot, a tracked vehicle equipped with a camera and two-way communication device, is specifically designed for building searches, demonstrating the versatility of the ROVT’s technological arsenal.

Successful Apprehension

Thanks to the drone’s ability to navigate and search difficult terrain, Bromley was swiftly located in his hiding spot within dense vegetation. Following his capture, he was taken into custody and lodged at the Washington County Jail.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident in Beaverton underscores the invaluable role drones play in modern law enforcement operations. The ability to quickly deploy aerial assets to search challenging environments not only increases the efficiency of police work but also enhances officer safety by providing crucial situational awareness.

The success of the ROVT highlights the benefits of inter-agency collaboration in developing specialized drone units. As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more police departments across the country adopting similar strategies, leading to safer communities and more effective law enforcement practices.

The featured image is for illustration purposes only.