December 7, 2020 – Saturday evening at 10:40 p.m. Washington County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of I41 and STH 28 for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries.
Deputies located the damaged vehicle that was north bound and went into the median striking the high-tension cable median barriers. Witnesses reported the driver fled on foot after learning law enforcement was on the way.
Deputies searched the area for about one hour before a public safety unmanned aerial system (UAS) drone was deployed. Within eight minutes of having the UAS in the air, deputies located the subject hiding in the ditch on STH 28 east of I41 about ½ mile from the crash scene.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has utilized UAS technology for the past several years. This technology may be utilized to enhance our mission to protect lives and property when other means and resources are not available or are less effective. Any use of a UAS is in strict accordance with constitutional and privacy rights and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
The subject was taken into custody for drunk driving.
