Drone finds Fremont burglary suspect trying to torch hiding spot: PD

(KRON) — A Fremont man accused of breaking into a home was later found by a Fremont Police Department-deployed drone as he hid from officers in a tall grass field. While he was hiding, the man tried to set the field on fire, according to police.

FPD said its officers responded to the burglary in-progress Monday at 7:22 p.m. in the 38000 block of Fremont Boulevard — and quickly surrounded the home — after a witness said they saw the man break into the residence using the front door. Police said they used a loudspeaker to communicate with the suspect, but there was no response until he ran to the rear of the home.

“The [drone] pilot saw the suspect run from the residence and provided officers with real-time information on his location. The suspect ultimately stopped running and hid in a field of tall grass near the residence,” said police in a news release.

Police said they released a police K-9 to take the suspect into custody after failed attempts to get the man to surrender.

The suspect, identified as Michael Bullock, 38, of Fremont, was arrested for residential burglary, attempted arson, and resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer, said police. Police said Bullock was also arrested for a felony warrant for robbery and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bullock was booked into Santa Rita Jail, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will review the case for forthcoming charges, said FPD.