The Richmond Police Department used a drone to make sure a car that was found submerged in the Bay was unoccupied last month.
The incident unfolded on Jan. 26, when officers were dispatched to a report of a fenced being downed and a vehicle in the water off Stenmark Drive.
In body cam footage, police show the car almost completely submerged by water near the shoreline. The RPD contacted the U.S. Coast Guard. Concerned over whether the vehicle was occupied, officers also deployed a drone to expedite a potential rescue.
The drone was equipped with a thermal sensor that confirmed that the vehicle was unoccupied.
Once on land, police discovered that the vehicle was stolen.
Also, a rock was found pinned against the car’s accelerator.
RPD said it is grateful to have the drone to be able to ensure no lives were at risk in the situation.
