Pontiac, MI – A drone-assisted response helped Oakland County deputies safely arrest an armed suspect near a domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon, easing concerns in a sensitive area.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, when a 911 call reported a man in camouflage entering a wooded area behind a shelter in Pontiac, located in Oakland County within the Detroit metro region.
Authorities said the man was allegedly carrying both a long rifle and a handgun, prompting an immediate response under the county’s Drones as First Responders (DFR) program. The drone was quickly deployed, providing real-time aerial intelligence that allowed deputies to locate the suspect and assess the situation without direct confrontation.
Using the live feed, deputies were guided to the suspect’s location and approached in what officials described as a tactically safe manner. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The individual, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Edward Smith of Pontiac, was arrested and later arraigned in Pontiac’s 50th District Court. According to authorities, he allegedly faces charges including carrying a concealed weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the program played a critical role in reducing risk. Officials noted the DFR initiative has been in operation for more than four years and is designed to improve response times and enhance safety during high-risk incidents.
No injuries were reported, and authorities said the situation was resolved peacefully.
