Drone video shows assault suspect hiding from police in Pickering moments prior to arrest

Durham Regional Police released drone video of a suspect takedown in Pickering.

Police have released new video footage that shows how a drone was used to track down a suspect who fled the scene of an assault in Pickering earlier this month.

The footage shows a May 9 police pursuit near Kingston and Notion roads in Pickering, investigators told CP24 on Tuesday.

In the footage, the suspect is spotted hiding in a wooded area before moving closer to buildings. The suspect appears to be unaware of the drone as it watches them through a thermal camera. The suspect peaks around corners and approaches a row of vehicles before fleeing approaching officers who close distance and shove the suspect against a wall before taking them into custody.

A drone operator was able to find the suspect hiding from police within 20 minutes, investigators say. The operator was then able to direct officers on the ground to locate and arrest the suspect, police say.

The 31-year-old suspect was wanted on multiple charges, including robbery, theft, breaching probation and obstructing arrest and disobeying court orders, police told CP24.

Their identity is not being released to protect the victim.