OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County deputies say their “eye in the sky” helped catch three teens accused of breaking into a construction site and going for a joyride on heavy equipment.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, an alarm went off just before 4 a.m. on Aug. 22 at a construction site along Old Lake Wilson Road. Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said deputies then deployed a helicopter, which captured video showing the teens driving forklifts and other equipment across the property.
“They had seized or stolen some construction equipment and were joy riding it on the construction site,” Blackmon said.
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In the helicopter video, deputies on the ground can be seen closing in on the suspects as pilots relayed their movements from above. Blackmon said the coordination allowed deputies to approach safely without being blindsided.
Investigators said two of the suspects, ages 15 and 17, and 18-year-old Shane Morrison were arrested and face multiple felony charges, including burglary, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
The sheriff’s office estimated the damage at the site totaled about $5,000.
“This is a great example of technology working for us,” Blackmon said. “The helicopter provides clarity and safety for our deputies and makes it harder for suspects to get away.”