The Huntsville Police Department used its Drone as First Responder program to help safely locate and arrest a suspect in a recent shooting.

Officers were dispatched around 8:40 p.m. on March 20 to a local hospital for a reported shooting victim. During the initial response, investigators developed information about a possible suspect and a vehicle believed to be involved.

Police then requested deployment of the department’s Drone as First Responder program to the 100 block of Barrell Avenue, where the suspect was believed to be located.

Within about 20 minutes of the initial call, the drone located the suspect’s vehicle at the residence. Using thermal imaging, officers were able to confirm the vehicle had been recently driven.

Authorities said the drone provided continuous aerial coverage of the property, giving officers real-time situational awareness as they coordinated their response. The aerial view allowed officers to monitor all sides of the residence, including the rear, improving safety and positioning during the operation.

Roughly an hour after the initial call, the suspect was ordered out of the residence and taken into custody without incident.

“DFR allows us to get eyes on a scene quickly and start providing real-time information to responding officers,” said North Alabama Multi-Agency Crime Center Director Curt Worshek. “That early intelligence helps narrow the focus, improves coordination and increases safety for everyone involved.”

Officials emphasized the role of technology in safely resolving the situation.

“This is exactly how DFR is intended to be used,” said Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles. “Sharing examples like this helps our community see how these tools are used in a focused and responsible way.”

Police identified the suspect as Thomas Glenn Joiner Jr., 44, of Huntsville, who was taken into custody, interviewed by investigators, and charged with first-degree assault.