Placer County domestic violence suspect found hiding in haystack

A California man wanted for domestic violence realized there was no escape when a police drone discovered him hiding in a large haystack. This ended a lengthy manhunt with his surrender captured on video.

Adam Armbruster, 29, was taken into custody on Sunday after deputies, K9 units, drones, and the Special Enforcement Team of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office located him in a barn. Armbruster had dug himself into a towering haystack in an attempt to avoid arrest.

The search began late Saturday following reports of a woman shouting for assistance. 

Authorities determined the woman had been attacked in a domestic violence incident, but the suspect had left before they arrived.

The search continued through the night as deputies attempted to locate him. 

Investigators eventually concluded that Armbruster was likely hiding near his home, either on his own property or in nearby outbuildings.

The Special Enforcement Team joined the effort on Sunday morning, searching the suspect’s home before focusing on a neighboring property.

At approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday, a drone flying over the area spotted Armbruster concealed inside a massive haystack in a barn. 

Video released by the sheriff’s office shows the drone identifying the hiding spot before the suspect, realizing his capture was imminent, waved at the drone, climbed down from the haystack, and surrendered without conflict.

The footage received praise online.

“That drone pilot is an absolute surgeon with that machine. Phenomenal operator,” one commenter noted.

Another joked, “lol so how do I apply to be a drone pilot with a police department?”

Armbruster was taken into custody on suspicion of felony domestic violence and felony assault with a deadly weapon.

He was booked into the Placer County Jail before being released after posting bail.

The sheriff’s office obscured the suspect’s face in the video in accordance with California’s AB 1475, which limits the release of booking or arrest photos by law enforcement to certain circumstances defined by state law.

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