Suspect wanted in high-speed pursuit was arrested thanks to the help of thermal cameras

HARRISON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office used a drone with a thermal imaging camera to help identify and apprehend a suspect wanted on eight outstanding warrants.

Brandon Wheeler was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase in June.

The pursuit ended after he crashed into another vehicle and then took off on foot.

This week, detectives were tipped off to an apartment in Harrison Township.

Detectives went to the apartment on Freeport Road and announced their presence, after getting no answer they forced their way in and Wheeler tried to escape through the back window.

He was confronted outside the building and detectives used a Taser, but Wheeler continued to run.

They were eventually able to take him into custody after he tried to escape in a vehicle, but with the help of thermal imaging, they were able to find him hiding behind a tree near a creek.

He now faces charges of evading arrest, resisting arrest and fleeing to elude apprehension, along with the six active warrants.