California Sheriff’s Drone Disarms Knife‑Wielding Sex Offender, Possible First

A California sheriff’s office deployed a drone equipped with a magnetic device. The drone was used to disarm Austin Carter, a 30‑year‑old sex offender. Carter was holding a knife when officers activated the drone from a hidden garage. The magnetic system removed the weapon without direct contact. Officials say the incident may be the first law‑enforcement use of a disarming drone. The tactic demonstrates new technology for non‑lethal threat mitigation. Police are reviewing protocols before wider adoption of the approach. The case highlights evolving tools for officer safety and public protection.