Drone Deployment Assists in Domestic Violence Arrest

On February 19, 2026, Deputies with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Conner Drive in Charleston in reference to an active domestic violence situation.

Upon arrival, Deputies learned that Anthony Clark, a 48-year-old male, was allegedly assaulting his wife and was armed with a firearm. Prior to Deputies arriving on scene, Clark fled the residence on foot into a nearby wooded area.

Detective Payne deployed the Sheriff’s Office drone, which quickly located Clark in the wooded terrain. The drone provided real-time updates on Clark’s movements and directed Deputies and a K9 unit precisely to his location.

When Deputies approached and issued commands, Clark dropped his firearm and surrendered without incident.

The deployment of the drone significantly reduced the risk to Deputies by preventing the possibility of Clark ambushing responding personnel. Clark was safely taken into custody.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the cooperation of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Charleston Yeager International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower, who quickly coordinated with Deputies. The incident occurred in close proximity to the airport’s runway and required special authorization to deploy the drone safely.

Clark has been charged with Domestic Battery and Prohibited Person with a Firearm. He was arraigned in Kanawha County Magistrate Court and a $5000 Cash Only Bond was placed on him.

Anybody that is arrested is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or want to speak with one of our Victim Services Coordinators, please call:

304-357-0499 or 304-357-0155