Williamsville, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – They were just obtained earlier this month, but new drones owned by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Department helped catch two people last week accused of breaking into the now-closed Viper Mine near Williamsville.

According to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, deputies arrested Maria Genovese, 30, and Daniel Gregg, Jr., 53, both of Springfield. They were arrested on charges of Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Sheriff Paula Crouch says in a news release a number of tools were found on the scene around 11 p.m. September 18, and when deputies arrived, they heard glass breaking and loud voices, with one of the suspects trying to flee through a broken window.

Crouch says the drone pilot was able to guide deputies to where Gregg was hiding.  Genovese was found inside the facility.  Video of the incident is below.

The drones, Crouch says, were first obtained in early September, and was the second successful use.  The first was a week earlier, in locating a missing person.

“The drones allow our deputies to work more safely and effectively,” Crouch said, in the release. “By embracing technology, we are giving our team the resources to protect the community and respond to situations in ways that were not possible before. Criminals need to understand that we will use every tool available to track them down and hold them accountable.”

Four deputies have been trained on the equipment so far.

An estimated $80,000 in damage was done to Viper Mine, including to electrical and wiring systems.

Gregg was treated on the scene for cuts to his arm.

Future court dates for Genovese and Gregg are not available, but both remain held in the Sangamon County Jail.

Viper Mine officially closed this month after losing City Water Light and Power as its primary customer last year.