Drone helps catch suspect fleeing from deputies in Stark County

STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - A Canton man is in custody after Stark County Sheriff deputies used a drone to track him down in a wooded area.

Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier said deputies were called to the 2800 block of Heritage Ave. NW in Plain Township at 9:23 a.m. on Wednesday for a disturbance.

Deputies said Cody Stewart, 28, gave them false information before fleeing on foot into a nearby wooded area.

According to Sheriff Maier, deputies learned Stewart had active warrants for his arrest for aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, and theft.

A deputy in the Stark County Sheriff’s Office Drone Program was called to the scene and deployed a drone.

Stewart was located at 10:10 a.m. in the 2900 block of Blake Ave. NW in Plain Township and taken into custody.

He is now locked up in the Stark County Jail on his outstanding warrants in addition to obstruction and identity fraud.

“At the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to using every tool available to keep communities safe. This arrest is a great example of not only utilizing modern technology to do just that, but also of the skill and dedication of our team,” explained Sheriff Maier.

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office Drone Program includes six FAA Certified Drone Operators and 12 active drones.