Rochester, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department says for the second time in a week, a burglary arrest has been made using the department’s less than one-month old drones.
According to a news release, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department says Jesse Blades, 46, Peoria Heights, was arrested around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Blades is in the Sangamon County Jail on charges of burglary to a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest, according to online court records, which don’t yet list any future court dates.
Deputies were dispatched to the 8800 block of Cardinal Hill Road in the Rochester, after Blades was found in a vehicle in the area that wasn’t his. After the caller and his son confronted Blades, he allegedly fled the scene.
The Sheriff’s Department says the drone was deployed, and Blades was found. Blade’s vehicle — reported stolen from the Taylorville area — was found in the caller’s backyard, and was towed from the scene.
Additional charges are being reviewed, the sheriff’s department said.
“This is the second time in just a week that our drone team has helped deputies locate and arrest a suspect,” said Sheriff Paula Crouch, in a news release. “Drone technology is giving us new ways to protect the community and make sure criminals are held accountable for their actions.”
Two people were arrested last week when a burglary was reported to the now-closed Viper Mine. Earlier this month, the drone was also used to help locate a missing person.
