Lutz, FL – A drug delivery gone wrong ended with a crashed drone and an arrest after Hillsborough County deputies responded to a home invasion incident involving methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Drone Crash and Discovery
Homeowners on the 18500 block of Hannah Michaela Ln. in Lutz called deputies early Tuesday after a drone crashed into their backyard. They reportedly heard a clattering sound and saw a flashing light on the device.
Sheriff Chad Chronister described the discovery:
“He picks up the drone when he sees that the drone has a brown cloth bag attached to it. Inside this cloth bag is four other bags—three bags with fentanyl powder and one bag of methamphetamine. Each bag has a person’s name written on it and then the methamphetamine had ‘Share’ on it.”
Shocked by the contents, the homeowners immediately contacted the sheriff’s office. Security camera footage captured a man knocking on the front door three times with a flashlight before deputies arrived.
Suspect Encounter and Arrest
Deputies found Jason Brooks, 49, outside the home holding the drone’s remote control. According to Sheriff Chronister:
“He’s out front in the driveway, holding the remote control for the drone that just crashed, and being an experienced criminal, he plays very coy about, ‘I was flying my drone. I live about a mile away, and I believe it crashed in this area, and I’m going in the backyard trying to find my drone.’”
Brooks, a 15-time convicted felon, was taken into custody. Investigators plan to review drone flight data to determine the path and intended destination of the drugs as reported by Fox9.
Charges Filed Against Brooks
Brooks faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession of controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver
- Possession of controlled substance
- Driving while license canceled, suspended, or revoked
- Attaching tag not assigned
- Operating unregistered vehicle
- Out-of-county warrant (failure to appear in Pasco County)
He made his first appearance virtually before a Hillsborough County judge on Wednesday. Bond was granted for the current charges, but Brooks is held without bond due to the outstanding Pasco County warrant.
Unusual Method of Drug Delivery
Authorities note that the use of a drone for transporting drugs is highly uncommon and dangerous. Sheriff Chronister said:
“There’s no doubt he was trying to go undetected.”
The incident highlights the risks of drug trafficking using innovative methods and underscores the need for community vigilance.
Safety Reminder for Residents
Homeowners are urged to remain alert for unusual activity and immediately contact law enforcement if suspicious devices or drones appear near residences.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jason Brooks demonstrates the consequences of illegal drug operations and innovative attempts to evade law enforcement. Investigators will continue analyzing drone data to fully understand the extent of the operation.
Have you ever witnessed unusual drone activity in your neighborhood? Share your experiences in the comments below.
