In the first days of a week-long trial testing a remote-piloted drone, Peoria Police used the technology to apprehend a suspect accused of stealing an ambulance.
Officers responded to the 200 block of Northeast Glen Oak based on a report of a stolen ambulance being driven recklessly.
In a press release, police said they deployed the Department First Response drone and located the ambulance parked in the 300 block of Wayne Street. Shortly after officers arrived, the driver of the ambulance fled at a high rate of speed, later striking a parked vehicle on St. Marks Court.
Authorities said officers did not pursue the vehicle in squad cars in the interest of public safety.
The driver was identified as Crystal J. Crane, 41, who is currently in Peoria County custody charged with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
