FALLSTON, MD—The Harford County Sheriff’s Office recently utilized a drone to capture a thief in the Fallston area.

On Friday morning, November 8, 2024, deputies were dispatched to the 2100-block of Albrook Court for a report of someone trespassing through private property.

Authorities say the area had recently been victimized by someone going through vehicles to steal items. In an effort to quickly identify and catch the suspect, a drone was launched. The drone operator identified an individual walking down Ryan Road and guided the responding deputy to the area where the suspect, identified as John Sawyer, was taken into custody. Deputies found a window punch and pepper spray in Sawyer’s belongings, along with a concealed knife.

It was determined that Sawyer, 35, with an address on Arden Drive, had trespassed on the victim’s property and walked through the surrounding neighborhood with the intent of breaking into motor-vehicles using the window punch and stealing items the vehicles. Sawyer was taken to the Harford County Detention Center where he was charged with trespass posted property, possession of burglary tools, and concealed dangerous weapon.

After an initial appearance in front of a District Court Commissioner, Sawyer was released.

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