HCSO Air Operations

10/12/2026

You can run, but you can’t hide. Especially from Krissy! 🐕🚁

This morning, around 7:00 a.m., Harris County Sheriff's Office District 4 deputies responded to reports of suspects breaking into vehicles near Morton Rd. and SH-99.

Three suspects were quickly apprehended, while a fourth remained on the run.

During the incident, the fourth suspect reportedly fired a shot at a homeowner before fleeing.

ABLE 2 arrived overhead and detected a heat signature coming from a trash can in a residential backyard.

When K9 Kris, aka “Krissy,” moved in, the suspect attempted to escape over a fence but was apprehended by Krissy.

Deputies recovered a handgun from the suspect’s backpack.

Four suspects in custody. One handgun recovered. Outstanding teamwork by District 4, Air Operations, and K9!

‼️

10/05/2026

Some people drive to work. SWAT rides the skids.

10/01/2026

Early Thursday morning, ABLE 2 observed an HPD traffic stop turn into a foot pursuit.

The crew maintained visual on the suspect as he ran through multiple properties, jumped several fences, and entered a gated residence.

The suspect then attempted to hide inside a trash can.

ABLE 2 directed HPD officers to his location and continued providing updates while ground units established a perimeter. Officers made contact with the suspect, who surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

ABLE 2 remained overhead until the area was confirmed clear.

09/28/2026

Somebody’s watching… and our drones take “keeping a low profile” seriously. 👀

One person hiding. Two people running. Then a view from beneath a mobile home. This video shows the different perspectives drones brought to a SWAT search warrant operation.

Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations provided overhead coverage as suspects attempted to hide and move through the area. Once deputies established a perimeter, our operators transitioned to smaller drones to search beneath mobile homes and inside structures.

From monitoring movement above to checking tight spaces below, these drones give deputies valuable information about areas they can’t easily see. That helps teams assess potential hazards and make informed decisions before sending personnel inside.

Different drones, one coordinated team. Great work by SWAT, our drone operators and everyone who supported the operation! 🤝

09/21/2026

Last week, members of the Harris County Sheriff's Office SWAT, Bomb, K-9, and Air Operations teams came together for joint training focused on strengthening coordination and teamwork across specialized units.

Training together allows our teams to sharpen their skills, integrate specialized capabilities, and continue developing the coordination needed when responding to complex incidents.

Different specialties. One team. One mission.

09/18/2026

Harris County Sheriff's Office has incorporated drones into SWAT operations for several years, providing valuable visibility while helping reduce risk to deputies and the community.

During recent training, one of our SWAT operators, now a certified drone pilot, put his new skills into practice alongside our Air Operations drone operators, who provided guidance and support.

Training together builds on that experience and helps our teams continue improving how drone technology supports tactical operations.

08/21/2026

11 New Drone Operators!

Today, we wrapped up our two-week, 80-hour Drone Operator Course, adding 11 new drone operators to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office!

These newly trained operators represent several areas across the agency, including Patrol, Traffic, SWAT, and the Bomb Unit.

Over the past two weeks, students received extensive classroom and hands-on flight training designed to prepare them to safely and effectively deploy drones during real-world law enforcement operations.

Expanding our team of trained drone operators across multiple divisions puts this technology directly into the hands of deputies who can use it to enhance officer safety, situational awareness, and operational capabilities throughout Harris County.

Congratulations to our newest drone operators on completing 80 hours of training! 👏

07/31/2026

On Thursday night, ABLE 4 was conducting airborne patrol when the crew heard Houston Police Department was pursuing a vehicle near Walters Road and Ridge Hollow Drive.

ABLE 4 responded and began providing aerial updates as the pursuit traveled northbound on the Hardy Toll Road. HPD units terminated the the pursuit, but ABLE 4 continued tracking the vehicle and coordinated with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Montgomery County deputies attempted to stop the vehicle near the Grand Parkway, but the driver maneuvered around their units and continued fleeing. The vehicle later stopped at a gas station near the Grand Parkway and FM 1314, where the driver was taken into custody without incident.

Great multiagency teamwork helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

07/01/2026

Around 1 a.m. this morning, Harris County Sheriff's Office ABLE 4 was assisting Harris County Precinct 5 Constables near Westgreen Blvd. and Longenbaugh Rd. with locating a male who evaded on foot.

While searching the area, ABLE 4 was hit multiple times with a high-intensity green laser. The crew had to divert course, but was still able to locate the suspect actively pointing the laser at the aircraft.

ABLE 4 then guided Precinct 5 Constables directly to him, where he was contacted and taken into custody.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is dangerous, illegal, and not a “prank.” It can temporarily blind or distract a flight crew and create a serious safety issue for everyone involved. In Texas, illumination of an aircraft is a Class A misdemeanor and may also be pursued as a federal offense.

Great work by Terry Allbritton, Harris County Constable Precinct 5 for their quick response and assistance.

06/26/2026

Thank you to KHOU 11 News for spending time with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations team and showcasing how we’re supporting security efforts from above during the FIFA events.

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to our federal partners for their outstanding collaboration and teamwork. Operations like these are successful because of the strong partnerships we’ve built together.

Officials have intercepted dozens of unauthorized drones around Houston's World Cup events https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/drone-operators-charge-flying-restricted-airspace-fifa-fan-festival-houston-stadium/285-06d4a64b-d498-4920-b6d2-e86c4f1563e5