Hanover police have arrested one suspect and identified another after an alleged theft of potato chips in an industrial area.
They say, On Tuesday, October 20th, at 4:10 a.m., Hanover officers were conducting patrol in the industrial park on 14th Avenue, when they observed two males dressed in dark clothing carrying two cardboard boxes near a distribution facility.
Officers approached and attempted to investigate, but say the suspects fled on foot in opposite directions.
Police asked the Hanover Fire Department to search for the suspects using their drones with thermal imaging.
Shortly after 5 a.m., Hanover Fire Department Drone Operators located a suspect using the thermal imaging technology who was hiding under overgrown grass in a green space.
The Drone Operators were able to guide officers to the area where a suspect was taken into custody surrounded by boxes of potato chips.
Police say a further search resulted in the seizure of edged weapons found on the suspect and a set of bolt cutters. Police also learned the suspect was wanted for crimes in a neighbouring jurisdiction.
A 37-year-old Brockton man was held for a bail hearing and later remanded into custody charged with Theft Under $5000, Mischief Under $5000, Possession of Break-In Instruments and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.
Officers determined that forced entry was made to several chip trucks shortly before the original police interaction.
Police say the second suspect remains outstanding, but note they have identified him and are attempting to locate him.
Police Chief Chris Knoll is thanking the fire department for its assistance, noting, “The HFD Drone Operators were able to quickly search over 50 acres before the suspect was located and highlights the great skills of the operators, excellent use of technology and the awesome teamwork between our emergency services,” said Chief Knoll.