Drones recently acquired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office were credited with stopping a burglary at a Viper Mine facility near Williamsville on Thursday night.
A county release issued Monday said deputies were called to a possible burglary at about 11 pm. Deputies arrested 30-year-old Maria Genovese of Springfield inside the structure. The drone pilot led other deputies to a nearby tree line were 53-year-old Daniel Gregg Jr. of Springfield was arrested. Investigators found burglary tools and extensive damage to electrical wiring and plumbing with damage costs estimated at $80,000.
Sheriff Paula Crouch implemented the drone team this year with the first drones received in early September. Four deputies have been certified to operate the drones in tactical and rescue situations. Deputies used a drone on September 12 to help find a missing person in a remote area of Sangamon County.
A link to the most recent drone operation is at WMAY.com.
