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Attorney General Marty Jackley

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Tactical Remote Robot Assists in Felony Arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    Monday, August 07, 2017   
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

PIERRE, S.D. – Law Enforcement confirm that Chaz VanOrman, 35, Sioux Falls, was arrested August 3, 2017, in Lake County following an extensive search in both Lyon County, Iowa, and Minnehaha County, and ending in Lake County. VanOrman has been charged in Lake County on one count of burglary and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. 
"This operation demonstrates why we are so fortunate in South Dakota to have local government and legislative support to provide our officers with the state-of-the-art equipment to protect them and our communities,” said Attorney General Jackley.

The technology used at the residence in Lake County was a remote operated tactical robot. The tactical robot is equipped with multiple cameras, a light, and 2 way communications with the ability to listen to surroundings.  It was used in this incident to better understand the layout of the exterior of the residence by driving around it. This allows law enforcement to evaluate the structure from a safe location. The robot is equipped to knock on the residence door and then proceed to the interior where it successfully navigated through the residence giving law enforcement a real time look of the entire structure while having the ability to give it commands from a safe location.
The tactical robot did not locate the subject, but did provide officers with the necessary information to enter the structure safely. The subject was located in the residence and arrested without incident. The tactical robot was then used to clear additional spaces in the residence including the attic space.
The tactical robot was a joint law enforcement purchase by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, Sioux Falls Police Department and the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Agencies that assisted in this investigation included the Lake County Sheriff Office, Moody County Sheriff's Office, Flandreau Police Department, SD Highway Patrol and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

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