(From the Barton County Sheriff's Office)On April 3rd, 2024 at approximately 1540hrs a Deputy was dispatched to the area of 160 Hwy and SE 30th Ln in rural Barton County for a stolen 2022 Kubota UTV.
The Kubota was last seen heading east from the area. An alert citizen noticed the Kubota being taken and gave a great description of the suspects and vehicle. Unfortunately, when the Deputy got to the area, they were unable to locate the suspects or the Kubota.
Five days later, Deputies were given a tip on the possible location of the Kubota. Deputies responded to the area and began to search.
While on scene a Deputy who is assigned to our recently purchased Drone was able to deploy the drone within minutes. After approximately 15mins searching the area with the drone, they were able to locate the Kubota in a heavily wooded area.
The drone pilot was able to mark its location and Deputies were able to walk in on foot and recover the Kubota that was valued at $20,000.
The Sheriff’s Office was able to return this piece of equipment back to the owner the same day.
In an interview with Sheriff John Simpson, it was asked why this piece of equipment (DRONE) was important for the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Simpson stated that not only were we able to use the drone to locate an expensive piece of equipment but there are so many other things we will be able to use it for as well.
Sheriff Simpson stated that every year there is at least one young child that wanders off and the amount personnel it takes to search an area will now be cut down thanks to the drone.
He also stated that it will be used for other things such as search warrants, locating suspects that have fled from Law Enforcement and many other situations where time is crucial. Sheriff Simpson also stated that the drone can be deployed within 30seconds once the Deputy arrives on scene. He stated the Drone has many capabilities such as Thermal imaging, Infrared imaging, Laser Range Finder, and many other features as well. Sheriff Simpson stated one of his Deputies is a certified Pilot and has done a fantastic job at learning and becoming proficient with this new piece of equipment.
Sheriff Simpson and Chief Deputy Ehrsam want to say thank you to Lamar Arvest Bank, Lockwood Arvest Bank and the Arvest Foundation for their generous donation of $12,500 for the purchase of the drone. All of this would not have been possible without the help and effort of Matt Brown, (Arvest Commercial Banker). Again, this was a major advancement for the Sheriff’s Office in obtaining this piece of equipment to provide service and safety to our valued citizens of Barton County.
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