Deputies use thermal imaging drone to track down fleeing driver after crash

Feb 23, 2025

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A driver deputies believe was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Grand Traverse County was found with the use of a thermal imaging drone.

Crews were called Thursday around 8:30 p.m. about the two-vehicle crash at US-131 near M-113 in Fife Lake Township.

The caller, who was one of the drivers involved, said the male driver who was at fault for the crash, was running from the scene with a backpack.

Deputies made contact with the 41-year-old Cadillac man who called in the crash.

In the other vehicle at the scene was a passenger identified as a 41-year-old woman from Hersey, according to the report.

Deputies set up a perimeter and used the drone to locate the fleeing driver in the woods. Once he was located and arrested, he was identified as a 52-year-old man from the White Cloud area.

Investigators said the man had multiple felony warrants for weapons, aggravated assault and drug offenses.

After the arrest, deputies used K9 Thor to backtrack and search for the backpack.

The backpack was located and contained suspected meth and two handguns, according to the sheriff's office.

The suspect is facing the following charges:

The female passenger was arrested for obstructing the investigation.