Police in Kissimmee, Florida, rushed to rescue children who, during a response to a domestic disturbance call, held a handwritten sign reading “HELP US” against a window. Officers spotted the message with a drone camera. The boys eventually managed to leave the building. Police then arrested a man who is suspected of holding the children against their will.
The incident took place on Oct. 26, when officers of the Kissimmee Police Department (KPD) received a report of a domestic disturbance involving Andre Janard Smithson. According to information given to police, family members feared for the lives of the children who were in the house with the man. A patrol unit was dispatched to the scene, along with additional specialized officers.
During the response, officers used a drone to observe the building and determine where the children were.
“Using the drone, officers located the children hiding in a room, where one of them bravely held a handwritten sign reading ‘HELP US’ up to the window,” the Kissimmee Police Department said. This allowed authorities to determine the children’s location and continue the rescue effort.
The children managed to get out of the house when something, possibly the arrival of police in the area, distracted Smithson. When officers entered the building, the man surrendered immediately.
Smithson was charged with unlawful detention of persons. He was arrested not only because of the situation described above but also in connection with an outstanding court warrant.
Ed. JŁ
Source: Słoneczne Radio
