Redlands Police arrest E-bike suspect after drone catches his escape

A southern California E-bike rider learned a tough lesson about trying to outrun the police, especially when drones are involved.

The Redlands Police Department reported that the unidentified suspect was driving recklessly on an electric bike through the city. The rider was noted for “running stop signs and treating the wrong side of the road like the ‘scenic route.’”

When officers attempted to engage with the individual, “the subject decided to hit the ‘electric gas’ and zip away,” the police stated.

At this point, the police opted to use a high-tech solution to track the E-bike rider, who seemed to be playing “hide-and-seek” with them.

Through its Mav-1DFR (Drone First Responder or DFR) program, the department successfully made its first arrest using the drone.

Drone footage captured by the department, from 200 feet above, showed the police tracking the suspect as he tried to hide the bike and take refuge in a residence.

“Our eye in the sky arrived in the area and wasn’t about to let this high-voltage pursuit end in a vanishing act,” the department’s post detailed.

“Mav-1 tracked the subject as he wound through streets and eventually ducked into a residence to hide.”

The drone footage further revealed officers surrounding the house, persuading “the subject that it was time to come outside and face the music.”

The individual was subsequently arrested and taken into custody, while the E-bike was impounded, according to the police.

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“**Pro-tip:** If you’re going to evade the law, maybe don’t do it in a city that has the coolest drones responding from above. We’re always looking out for you, Redlands—sometimes from a very high perspective,” the department’s post concluded.

The Post reached out to Redlands PD for further comment.