Sheriff's Drone Tracks Down Suspects Twice in 7 Days

Sangamon County deputies used drone technology early Tuesday morning to locate and apprehend a burglary suspect in rural Springfield.

On September 24, 2025, at approximately 4:26 a.m., deputies responded to the 8800 block of Cardinal Hill Road after a caller reported finding someone inside his vehicle. The caller and his son attempted to confront the individual, who fled on foot toward a nearby field.

The Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone to assist in the search. The operator soon located the suspect, identified as Jesse D. Blades, 46, of Peoria Heights, lying in a bean field. Deputies moved in and took Blades into custody. He was charged with burglary to a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest.

Sheriff Paula Crouch said, "This is the second time in just a week that our drone team has helped deputies locate and arrest a suspect. Drone technology is giving us new ways to protect the community and make sure criminals are held accountable for their actions.”

Authorities said the suspect’s truck, which was found parked in the caller’s backyard, was later reported stolen to the Taylorville Police Department. The vehicle was towed, and additional charges are being reviewed.

A video clip of the September 24 drone operation is available for public viewing.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office also used its newly formed drone team to help arrest two suspects following a late-night burglary at the Viper Mine facility in rural Williamsville on September 18, 2025. Deputies were dispatched to the 8100 block of East Main around 11:00 p.m. after receiving a report of a possible break-in. When they arrived, a department drone was deployed to search the property and quickly detected an open door and voices coming from inside a building.

As deputies entered, they heard glass breaking and saw one suspect fleeing through a broken window. Inside the structure, officers apprehended 30-year-old Maria Genovese of Springfield without incident. Guided by the drone operator, deputies then located a second suspect, 53-year-old Daniel Gregg Jr., also of Springfield, hiding in a nearby tree line. Gregg, who suffered arm lacerations while fleeing, was treated at the scene before being transported to jail.

Investigators recovered burglary tools inside the building and reported extensive damage to the electrical wiring and plumbing system, with repairs estimated at about $80,000. Both Genovese and Gregg were booked on charges of burglary, criminal damage to property over $10,000, and possession of burglary tools.

Sheriff Paula Crouch said, “The drones allow our deputies to work more safely and effectively,” Crouch said. “By embracing technology, we are giving our team the resources to protect the community and respond to situations in ways that were not possible before. Criminals need to understand that we will use every tool available to track them down and hold them accountable.”