Police dog and drone help track down driver

A police dog and drone pilot worked together with officers to track down a man who had attempted to flee the scene of a road collision.

At around 8.30pm on Sunday 26 June 2022, officers were called to Updown Road near Deal following a report a car had been found on its roof.

The single car was found abandoned at the scene, with the driver having apparently left the area.

Working together

Police Dog Eli, his handler and Kent Police drone pilot PC Andy Green attended and PD Eli followed a scent to a tree.

With the assistance of the drone, the driver was located at the top of the tree, having climbed up it. He was brought down and arrested.

Helpful kit

Drone pilot PC Green said: 'There are times when officers responding to incidents can track down suspects on foot, but police dogs and drones are obviously invaluable resources when this is not possible.

'The drone is an increasingly useful part of police kit, helping us locate missing people, provide situation awareness and cover a larger area than officers on the ground would normally be able to.'

A 28-year-old man from Herne Bay was later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis and a public order offence, relating to comments made to attending officers.

He admitted both charges at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on 23 February 2023 and was given an 18-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, a drink-drive rehabilitation order and was disqualified from driving for two years.