South Bend Police Deploy Newly Unveiled Drone Technology to Apprehend Suspect Following High-Speed Motorbike Pursuit

South Bend officers used new drone tech to arrest Anthony Bridges Jr. after a motorbike chase. A stolen gun was found after the aerial unit tracked his location.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 4:54 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WNDU

Strategic Deployment of Aerial Surveillance During Urban Pursuit

The South Bend Police Department successfully utilized its recently acquired drone technology to apprehend a suspect following a high-risk chase through city streets. On Thursday, officers attempted to stop a motorbike, but the rider accelerated, initiating a pursuit that spanned several residential blocks. According to department officials, the use of the unmanned aerial system allowed ground units to pull back from the high-speed chase while maintaining a continuous visual lock on the suspect's movements from above. This tactical shift marked one of the first major operational successes for the department's new aerial unit.

Public Safety Concerns Lead to Termination of Ground Chase

The pursuit, which began at the intersection of Marine Street and Haney Avenue, quickly escalated as the motorbike operator began weaving through unconventional paths. Investigators noted that the suspect drove the vehicle through private yards and onto pedestrian sidewalks, creating an immediate danger to residents and bystanders. Recognizing the increasing risk of a collision or injury, commanding officers made the decision to call off the traditional patrol car pursuit. However, instead of losing the suspect, the department transitioned the investigation to the skies, utilizing the drone’s high-definition cameras to track the rider's path in real-time.

Apprehension of Suspect and Discovery of Illegal Firearm

The aerial tracking eventually led officers to the 600 block of River Avenue, where the suspect attempted to conceal himself from police. With the drone hovering overhead and providing precise coordinates, ground units moved in and arrested 18-year-old Anthony Bridges Jr. without further incident. Upon his arrest, a search of the suspect revealed a stolen handgun in his possession. Officers also inspected the motorbike and discovered that it lacked both a license plate and a Vehicle Identification Number, suggesting the vehicle may have been illegally modified or obtained.