A rider tried to outrun police on an e-bike, but a drone caught every move.

A rider tried to outrun police on an e-bike, but a drone caught every move.

Redlands police used a high-tech drone to track a suspect who tried to hide in a home after a reckless chase.

It is a bad feeling to think you have gotten away with something, only to realize you were being watched the whole time. For one e-bike rider in California, that realization came when police surrounded the house where he tried to hide.

What Happened

Police in Redlands, California, tried to stop an e-bike rider who was driving recklessly. The rider was ignoring stop signs and driving on the wrong side of the road.

When officers tried to talk to him, the rider hit the throttle and sped away. He likely thought he could lose the police by weaving through city streets.

Instead, the department launched a Drone First Responder (DFR) unit. The drone followed the rider from 200 feet in the air as he tried to hide his bike and duck into a private home.

What the evidence shows

• The drone tracked the suspect from 200 feet above the ground.
• The suspect was caught on camera trying to hide his e-bike.
• The drone followed the rider as he entered a private residence.
• Police used the footage to surround the home and force a surrender.
• The e-bike was seized and sent to a local tow yard.

The Bigger Question

This case shows how fast police tools are changing. Drones can now reach a scene faster than a patrol car and stay there without needing a pilot on the ground.

We should ask if this level of constant, high-altitude monitoring is the new normal for local police. Does the speed of an arrest justify the use of eyes in the sky for minor traffic stops?

The Other Side

The police department says the drone program is a tool to keep the public safe and stop dangerous chases before they cause a crash. The suspect has not yet released a statement, but the evidence from the drone footage appears to be very clear.

What Happens Now

This arrest marks the first time the Redlands DFR program has successfully caught a suspect. You can expect other cities to watch this program closely to see if they should buy their own drones.

For regular people, it means the days of "losing" the police in a neighborhood are likely over. If you are in a city with this tech, the police can see you even when you think you are out of sight.

What We Still Don't Know

1. What was the identity of the suspect?
2. What specific traffic charges will the rider face?
3. How many other cities are planning to start similar drone programs this year?

Source Note: All charges are allegations - the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.