SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Police Chief Wayne Smith provides city council a frightening example of why he said it is so important to invest in technology.

During Monday’s work session, he played a video of a drone capturing a wanted murder suspect.

“Because of drone technology, someone lived to see another day,” Chief Smith said.

Smith narrated over the video that was captured by the force’s newest tool in their arsenal, drones used for dangerous searches.

“This is a house where we were looking for a murder suspect. The video you are seeing is actually coming from the drone making a search of the residence where a SPD officer would normally be making that search,” Smith said.

As the drone made its way through the house, Smith explained that residents had already vacated.

“The drone found the individual after we had hailed for him to come out. Others had come out of the residence. But this is the suspect. Pay close attention to what is about to happen,” Smith said.

The video shows the suspect lying in wait for officers to come inside.

“You see his left hand going under the pillow. This is what the drone faced. If this would have been a series of officers to take this person into custody, I will let your imagination tell you what would have taken place. But because of this technology, both officers and this wanted person lived to see another day,” Smith said.

The video captured the attention of city council and the public in attendance.

“What happened after that?” asked Councilman Gary Brooks, District B.

“The BearCat was outside and was wailing. Once he realized the BearCat was there, the gentleman laid down his weapon and surrendered peacefully,” Smith said.

Council members thanked Chief Smith and his officers for their actions in apprehending the wanted suspect.

Smith told the city the department’s new Emergency Command Vehicle will make its debut this weekend outside Independence Stadium for the Shreveport Kickoff Classic.

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