Police drone provides real-time view as suspect smashes car windows in east Las Vegas
Remote drone relayed live updates near Tropicana and Nellis before officers arrived.
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Authorities got a front-row view from above when an LVMPD drone recorded a man smashing a vehicle’s windows in east Las Vegas, helping officers move in with real-time updates.
Officials with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) received a call just before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17 about a man damaging a vehicle outside a store near Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard.
A remote drone launched from a nearby LVMPD Skyport arrived within minutes and recorded the suspect hitting the vehicle’s windows with a bicycle seat and a brick.
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The drone pilot relayed live information to officers as they responded.
Before police arrived, bystanders stepped in and restrained the suspect, officials also noted.
🚨 DRONE PROVIDES EYES OVERHEAD DURING VEHICLE VANDALISM CALL
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) July 27, 2026
At approximately 9:40 a.m. on June 17, LVMPD Communications received a report of a man damaging a vehicle outside a store near Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard.
A remote drone launched from a nearby LVMPD… pic.twitter.com/wb99LudGT6
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Officers would later arrest 39-year-old David Huerta Salgado, who was booked on multiple charges, including property damage valued at $5,000 or more, tampering with a vehicle, resisting a public officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court records show Huerta Salgado entered a guilty plea earlier this month and is set to be sentenced in August.
LVMPD said the incident shows how the remote drone program can provide quick situational awareness and help officers respond more safely.
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