After an armed party call came in on Waldran Boulevard Saturday afternoon, the Memphis Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program was already in the air.

On May 30, 2026, around 1:15 p.m., officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance in the 200 block of Waldran Boulevard. Callers reported that a man was attempting to force his way into a residence following an argument with a woman. Before officers arrived on scene, an MPD Real-Time Crime Center operator deployed a DFR Unit to the location. Within moments, the drone located a male suspect near a residence with what appeared to be a broken window.

As the drone monitored the scene from above, acting as eyes from the sky to assist responding officers – the suspect entered a black Audi sedan. The operator was able to capture clear images of both the suspect and the vehicle’s license plate, providing officers with critical information in real time. When officers arrived, the suspect attempted to flee the apartment complex, striking another vehicle as he sped away. Thanks to live ariel observations from the drone, officers were able to quickly conduct a traffic stop before he could leave the area.

During the stop, officers observed 30 grams of marijuana and a digital scale in plain view inside the vehicle. Isaiah Butler, 23, was arrested and charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Manufacture/Deliver/Sell (a felony charge), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The Memphis Police Department implemented the Drone As First Responder (DFR) program on May 1, 2026. Our drones can launch in less than 2 minutes, giving officers an extra set of eyes, improving response times, enhancing officer safety, and supporting faster, more informed decision-making. DFR is another tool in the MPD toolbox, helping us create a Stronger, Safer Memphis.