Drone helps Nebraska deputies end dangerous high-speed chase

Drones with advanced thermal imaging and versatile capabilities are quickly becoming vital tools for law enforcement, offering a safer and more efficient way to respond to dangerous situations. In Nebraska, for instance, the technology recently helped authorities nab an armed and dangerous suspect after a high-speed chase on a frigid fall night.

Deputies from the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office pursued a fugitive who had fled from Colorado, speeding across the state’s western plains. After running over a spike strip and crashing his vehicle, the suspect fired at officers before disappearing into a vast tumbleweed field in pitch-black conditions.

Sergeant Mark Bliss, leader of the department’s drone team, quickly deployed their Teledyne FLIR SIRAS drone to locate the fugitive. Despite freezing temperatures and strong winds, the drone’s thermal imaging immediately identified the suspect’s position, revealing that he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

With the drone’s flight controller, Bliss guided deputies safely through the maze of dense tumbleweeds to the suspect’s body — an almost impossible task without the drone’s thermal technology. “It was a crazy, intense scenario, but SIRAS saved us tons of time. It also saved a lot of people from danger, and it was all handled within 10 minutes,” says Bliss.

The drone not only expedited the search but also prevented officers from waiting for daylight or a SWAT team, which could have taken hours. This is why for rural counties like Scotts Bluff, which lack access to helicopters or other advanced equipment, drones have become essential tools for law enforcement.

Bliss and his team use the SIRAS for a range of operations, from documenting accidents to responding to emergencies. Its rugged design and thermal imaging capabilities offer significant peace of mind. “I don’t have to take the risk of our dog or one of our guys getting hurt, and if something happens to the drone, I can buy a replacement,” says Bliss. “It’s definitely a game changer and a force multiplier for us.”

It’s worth noting that first responders, including police, fire, and search and rescue agencies, can purchase the SIRAS at a marked-down price of $6,995 (a discount of more than 28%) through the end of 2024. However, this offer is limited to one unit per agency.

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