SPD Uses Drone To Locate Trespassing Suspect

On Sunday at approximately 10:12 p.m., a Sedalia Police Officer was on patrol near RCL Wiring, 601 South Marshall Avenue, when he observed an ATV with a single rider trespassing on Union Pacific property.

The Officer attempted to stop the ATV, but it fled.

The Sedalia Police Department’s Drone Unit deployed the Department’s drone to assist in the search for the ATV and its rider while Officers formed a perimeter.

Utilizing the drone’s cameras and thermal technology, the subject was located hiding in a tree line near East Howard Street and North Harding Avenue.

Officers collapsed the perimeter, located the subject with drone over-watch assistance, and took him into custody without incident. The ATV was towed from the scene.

The subject was identified as 53-year-old James L Long, Jr., of Sedalia.

He was charged with 1st degree trespassing, resisting arrest, and operating an ATV on a roadway.

Long was transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. His bond and court dates are to be determined.

--Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.