Fleeing Art Thief Captured With Help Of Sheriff's Drone: Police

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY — An art heist was brought to a quick end, thanks in part to a little help from above.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office says that on Saturday, around 4 a.m., officers responded to a report of a burglary that had taken place on the Bard College campus. A suspect had forced entry into a building, stole artwork, and then fled the scene on foot, according to police.

The Sheriff’s Office UAS (Drone) Unit was then requested to assist. While searching the area with a drone using a thermal imaging camera and a spotlight, the suspect was located hiding in a wooded area.

UAS Unit pilots were able to give deputies on the ground the suspect's location, and he was arrested.

The case was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, resulting in Artin Krasniqi, of Red Hook, being charged with one count of third degree burglary. He was released with an appearance ticket.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office UAS Unit routinely responds to assist the DCSO Patrol Bureau and several other agencies with different types of emergencies, including fleeing felons, officials said in a statement.

The Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau, the K9 Unit, the Detective Bureau, and the UAS Unit all worked together in the apprehension of Krasniqi.