South Bend, Indiana – A drone-assisted police response led to an arrest after a minibike pursuit through city streets Thursday afternoon.
According to the South Bend Police Department, officers attempted a traffic stop around 2:50 p.m. Thursday, March 19, near Marine Street and Haney Avenue because the minibike allegedly did not have a license plate.
Police said the rider failed to stop, leading officers on a pursuit. During the incident, the suspect allegedly drove through yards, onto sidewalks, and into the pedestrian path along Northside Boulevard. Officers terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns, according to police.
A department drone operating as part of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program continued tracking the suspect after the pursuit ended. A Crime Analyst and drone pilot reportedly observed the rider hiding in the 600 block of River Avenue and relayed the location to responding officers.
Officers then took the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Anthony Bridges Jr., into custody.
According to police, Bridges was allegedly found in possession of a firearm that had been reported stolen out of Mishawaka. No license plate or VIN was located on the minibike, authorities said.
Bridges was transported to the St. Joseph County Jail on preliminary charges related to the incident. A formal charging decision is pending from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.
The use of drone technology highlights evolving policing methods that may impact public safety responses in busy neighborhoods and commuter corridors.
This incident may be especially relevant to students and young riders using minibikes in residential areas.
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