Farmington's public safety drone helped officers find an armed suspect hiding in the woods behind a Farmington Hills home early Sunday, Aug. 16, during a week in which the department answered 151 calls for service.

The Farmington Hills Police Department requested assistance from the Farmington Public Safety Department's drone unit, designated Falcon 1, at approximately 3:09 a.m., according to the department's weekly activity report. Officers deployed the drone in the 21000 block of Power Road and located the suspect in a wooded area behind a residence. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The weekly report describes the individual as an armed "MDOP suspect" but does not explain the abbreviation or the suspect's connection to the case. FPSD has not released the suspect's name or specified charges.

The deployment marks another operational use for Falcon 1, which the city acquired in late 2025 after Farmington City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 6, 2025 to purchase a DJI Matrice 30T drone kit for $15,440. The purchase was funded in part by a $10,000 donation presented to council by Co-Pastor Deborah O'Dell in September 2025 — credited to Freedom Gateway Center in the city's own donation announcement, though the Oct. 6 council packet lists the funding source as "the Crossing Church of Farmington."

The drone was also deployed in January 2026 to help a neighboring jurisdiction locate a breaking-and-entering suspect near Orchard Lake Road and I-696.

At the drone's May 2026 blessing ceremony, Public Safety Director Bob Houhanisin said, "This drone provides valuable tools that will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies, assist with search and rescue efforts, and continue providing a high level of service to our residents."

Weekly numbers: Aug. 10–16

Beyond the drone deployment, the department's week included:

  • 64 traffic stops
  • 14 medical calls
  • 5 crashes
  • 1 fire call
  • 7 warrant arrests
  • 3 felony arrests
  • 1 OWI arrest
  • 2 driving-while-license-suspended arrests

Residents who wish to report information or request assistance can contact the Farmington Public Safety Department at (248) 474-4700.