LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Authorities used a drone and K9s to track three suspects accused of stealing a stolen truck Tuesday, according to a release from the Gaston County Police Department.
Officers attempted to stop a stolen Ford F350 on Puetts Chapel Road near Dallas. The driver failed to stop, leading to a chase that stretched into Lincoln County. NC Highway Patrol and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were also involved in the chase.
Officers lost sight of the truck around 10 p.m. Tuesday night when it drove into a large soybean field south of Lincolnton.
A member of the Gaston County Police Drone Unit was present and launched a drone with thermal sensing capabilities. The officer used the drone to follow the truck's path through the soybean field. It was found in the backyard of a nearby residence.
Authorities used the drone as well as K9 officers to track the possible suspects. All three were taken into custody without incident.
Gaston County police first launched its drone unit in April of 2022.
The unit told WCNC Charlotte in 2023 that to be a drone pilot, officers must take an exam from the FAA and re-certify every two years. Training is done within the department's drone unit on a monthly basis.