When a 73-year-old woman was attacked on Ocean Front Walk a week ago, within seconds of the radio call coming out, a drone aircraft was launched from Santa Monica Police headquarters and headed to the area.
Sergeant Jose Rodriguez with Santa Monica PD told KNX News' Pete Demetriou that the two drones are part of the Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART) and explained how it all went down.
"There are police officers operating the drones; they heard the call come out, and they were able to fly overhead a lot quicker than a patrol car can get there. They saw the suspect matching the description, alerted the officers who went by the area to [confirm] the description, and detained him."
After an investigation, Rodriguez said the officers arrested Jalan Rodger James.
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Not only have Santa Monica detectives filed charges against James for felony battery, elder abuse, and two counts of resisting arrest, they've also tied him to a previous assault in the area.
The DA's office is now reviewing both cases for prosecution.
In the meantime, the Santa Monica Police Department will continue to expand the use of drones where applicable.
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