07/07/2026
Although this did not happen in our area - Let's make sure it never happens here in Bureau County!
I am a little upset this post has to be made. I’m not sure when we as a society quit caring for each other. Tonight my deputies, along with first responders from Adrian and EMS units from Bates County and Cass County responded to a very serious head on collision on 18 Highway.
The first responders did what they always do. They showed up, worked like the best team in America for people they didn’t even know.
Two people, very seriously hurt and required two helicopters so they could be transported to a trauma center. But as the first helicopter was landing, my deputies reported seeing a drone in the air over the crash scene.
Let me be clear. You have a right to own a drone, fly a drone and take footage of things in public. But what you don’t have a right to do is compromise the safety of those in the helicopter or on the ground. You don’t have a right to hinder or delay that response because a drone in the air prevents a helicopter from taking back off or landing in a timely matter.
While I hope this is a one time thing and whoever the drone owners are realize now the danger they put all the first responders and helicopters pilots in. I hope they realize that a patient’s life or death could come down to every precious minute.
If this behavior continues on scenes like this, then my agency will begin the acquisition of any technology we need to identify drones owners and purchase technology that will disrupt the drones ability to continue to stay in the air. We will put the safety of all involve and down your drone. You will be held accountable for interfering.
If you own a drone you have the responsibility to know the laws pertaining to their use. Be smart. The people who we are helping maybe one of your family members or friends.
Sheriff Chad Anderson.
