On June 20, 2025, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) successfully apprehended a 19-year-old suspect, Davin Singh of Oshawa, following a failed break-in attempt at a Courtice residence. Utilizing drone technology alongside the K9 Unit, officers tracked and located the individual hiding in dense foliage near Solina Road and Baseline Road West. The swift arrest, made without incident, highlights the critical role of aerial surveillance in modern policing, enabling efficient suspect tracking and enhancing officer safety during pursuit operations.
Incident Overview and Police Response
At approximately 8:45 PM on June 20, 2025, Durham Regional Police Service received a report of a suspicious person attempting to forcibly enter a home on Solina Road in Courtice. Upon arrival, officers found signs of a forced entry but no immediate suspect on site. The responding team quickly deployed a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera to assist in the search given the heavily wooded area adjoining the property.
Deployment of Drone and K9 Unit
The drone’s aerial perspective allowed officers to scan large sections of dense foliage that would have been difficult and time-consuming to search on foot. Simultaneously, the K9 Unit was dispatched to the location to track any scent trails the suspect might have left. The drone provided real-time video feeds to the incident command center, enabling coordinated ground and aerial efforts.
Suspect Location and Arrest
Within minutes, the drone operator identified a heat signature consistent with a human presence near the intersection of Solina Road and Baseline Road West. Officers moved to this location, where the K9 Unit confirmed the presence of an individual hiding. The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Davin Singh of Oshawa, was taken into custody without resistance or injury to officers or civilians.
Significance of Aerial Surveillance in Policing
This operation underscores the increasing value of drone technology in law enforcement activities. Drones provide several advantages:
- Rapid situational awareness over challenging terrains
- Enhanced officer safety by identifying threats from a safe distance
- Reduced manpower requirements for extensive search operations
DRPS officials noted that integrating drones with traditional units like the K9 team creates a force multiplier effect, improving the overall effectiveness of response tactics.
Next Steps and Community Impact
Davin Singh is currently held at a regional detention center awaiting charges related to attempted break-in and other pending investigations. The successful use of drone technology in this case has been positively received by the community and serves as an example of innovative policing methods aimed at maintaining public safety.
In conclusion, the Durham Regional Police Service’s successful apprehension of the suspect through the combined use of drone technology and the K9 Unit demonstrates a significant advancement in law enforcement capabilities. This case highlights how integrating modern aerial surveillance with traditional policing methods can enhance operational efficiency, officer safety, and community security. As drone technology continues to evolve, its role in supporting effective and timely responses to criminal activity is expected to expand, reinforcing public trust and contributing to safer neighborhoods.