Storage Unit Burglar Stopped Using Tustin Police Drone With Thermal Imaging

In the early morning hours of September 19, police were dispatched to a local warehouse after receiving a call about a male suspect seen in the complex with a crowbar, according to the Tustin Police Department.

Recognizing that a crime may have been in progress, a Tustin Police drone operator quickly arrived on scene and located the subject within the complex.

The suspect was confronted by officers who arrived on scene and, sure enough, he ran further into the complex.

The suspect will soon discover, however, that it is impossible to hide from an aerial drone thanks to thermal imaging.

The suspect, Roy Mezawas apprehended as he fled into adjacent residential backyards.

The subsequent police investigation revealed that Meza used burglary tools to break into 16 storage units at the facility.

Meza was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, narcotics offenses and numerous outstanding warrants.

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Our editor, Art Pedroza, has worked at the OC Register and OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for more than 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he’s not writing or editing, Pedroza specializes in hazard control and workplace safety. He also teaches part-time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza holds an MBA from Keller University.