Drone Captures Drug Deal, Man Arrested In SMC: Police

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A community complaint about public disturbances and drug use near the Main Library in Redwood City led to the arrest of a man for selling drugs, police said

At around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, a police drone was deployed to the area surrounding the library at 1044 Middlefield Rd. Officers watching the live feed said they saw a man, later identified as Miguel Alvarado-Gonzalez, 31, on a bicycle, carrying a cross-body satchel, complete a transaction consistent with a drug deal.

The drone continued to watch Alvarado-Gonzalez as he rode away, police said. Around ten minutes later, officers attempted to detain Alvarado-Gonzalez on the 2500 block of El Camino Real, officials said.

Alvarado-Gonzalez fled on foot, discarding a satchel before being apprehended, police said. Officers said the bag contained suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, and a digital scale.

He was booked into the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility on charges including possession of narcotics for sale, possession of a controlled substance for sale, destroying or concealing evidence, resisting/obstructing a peace officer and a probation violation.

Separately, William Michael Addiego, 73, of Redwood City, who purchased the narcotics, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, cited, and released.