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Drone Disarms Suspect With Magnet in Police First
24 Jun
Summary
- A drone used a magnet to remove a knife from a suspect's hand.
- The incident occurred earlier in June 2026 and was shared on June 22, 2026.
- Drones are increasingly used by US police for surveillance and first response.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office has showcased a novel approach to suspect apprehension, using a drone to remove a knife from an armed individual. Released on June 22, 2026, promotional footage depicts a small drone utilizing a dangling magnet to disarm a suspect who was reportedly unresponsive to negotiators.
This incident, which occurred earlier in June 2026, involved a suspect believed to be armed with a firearm and a knife. The drone, piloted via first-person view goggles, successfully retrieved the knife from the suspect's hand while they lay motionless.
The sheriff's office lauded the drone pilot's "creativity, skill and precision." However, some observers noted the suspect's unresponsiveness, suggesting the situation might have been influenced by a potential overdose.
This event underscores the expanding role of drones in law enforcement, with an increasing number of US police departments deploying them for surveillance and tactical assistance. As of 2025, over 1,800 US departments utilize drones, a trend boosted by companies offering specialized surveillance technology.
