Stark County, OH – A man allegedly on parole for homicide was taken into custody Tuesday morning after fleeing a car crash in Nimishillen Township, thanks to a rapid drone search by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a crash in Nimishillen Township early Tuesday and learned one of the drivers had fled the scene on foot. Further investigation revealed the man was on parole for homicide and had an active warrant for a parole violation.
With the suspect believed to be hiding nearby, a member of the sheriff’s office drone team launched a drone equipped with thermal imaging technology. The drone swept over the surrounding area and quickly detected a heat signature in nearby woods, officials said.
Thermal video released by the sheriff’s office shows the suspect appearing as a bright white figure against the darker landscape, moving through trees as deputies closed in. The drone operator guided deputies in real time, directing them toward the suspect’s location as additional units arrived.
Deputies ultimately found the man concealed under a tree and took him into custody without incident, according to authorities. He was booked into jail on his outstanding warrant. No injuries were reported during the arrest.
The sheriff’s office said the incident highlights the growing role of drones in modern law enforcement, particularly in locating suspects who attempt to evade capture in wooded or low-visibility areas.
The crash itself remains under investigation, and officials have not released the suspect’s name. Authorities emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Residents in the Nimishillen Township area may have noticed an increased law enforcement presence during the search Tuesday morning.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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