Drone Helps Texas PD Capture Stabbing Suspect In Burkburnett
Photo credit: News Channel 6
In Burkburnett, Texas, a dramatic manhunt came to an end thanks to a drone. A suspect accused of stabbing two men was arrested after realizing a police drone had located him near the Oklahoma border. The case shows how drones are changing modern policing, helping officers resolve violent situations faster and more safely.
A Family Attack in the Middle of the Night
Just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, Burkburnett police were called to United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls. Two men had arrived in the emergency room suffering from stab wounds.
According to police documents, the victims told officers that their attacker was their uncle, Aaron Jedediah Bueno. The assault reportedly happened while the three were driving along Sycamore Drive in Burkburnett.
Photo credit: News Channel 6
One victim said he heard a commotion and turned to see Bueno stabbing his passenger with a knife. When he tried to intervene, Bueno attacked him as well. The driver stopped the car, and both men got out as the suspect fled the scene.
The second victim later told officers that the stabbing was completely unprovoked and that he had no idea why his uncle suddenly turned violent. He suffered stab wounds to his neck and shoulder. Police later confirmed that both men were in stable condition and expected to recover.
A Drone Joins the Search
After the victims identified the suspect, officers launched a manhunt. Bueno, who had a criminal history including aggravated assault and family violence, had been released on parole in April 2024.
Knowing he was dangerous, police called in help from several agencies — including the Texas Rangers, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office.
That’s when the drone team came into play.
Skydio X10 Drone used by Texas Police Department
Burkburnett Police Officer Lt. Royce Challis said the drone was a critical tool in the search. Using thermal imaging and aerial sweeps, the drone operators were able to pinpoint Bueno’s location near the Oklahoma state line around 1:30 p.m., roughly 11 hours after the stabbings.
Photo credit: News Channel 6
“He could hear the drone and decided at that point, hey, I’m going to make contact,” Officer Challis said. “He spoke with one of our officers via telephone and agreed to turn himself in.”
Realizing he was surrounded, Bueno surrendered peacefully. Officers on the ground quickly took him into custody without further incident.
Drones Changing Law Enforcement
The Burkburnett arrest is another example of how drones are transforming policing, not only for surveillance but also for psychological deterrence.
Hearing a drone overhead can immediately change a suspect’s mindset. It signals that police have eyes in the sky, tracking every movement. In this case, the buzzing sound of the drone was enough to convince Bueno to stop running and call police himself.
For officers, that meant no dangerous foot pursuit, no shots fired, and no risk to bystanders. The drone helped achieve what police call an “intelligence-based surrender”, where a suspect gives up after realizing the tactical advantage has shifted.
Partnerships That Work
The Burkburnett operation was a multi-agency success story. Small police departments often rely on regional drone teams from other agencies to assist with aerial searches.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s drone unit has become an important partner for local law enforcement. Their Skydio drones are equipped with zoom cameras and thermal sensors, allowing them to scan large rural areas quickly because that is ideal for border regions and open fields.
Legal Consequences and Aftermath
Bueno now faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one upgraded to a first-degree felony, a charge that can lead to life imprisonment. His bond was set at $800,000. Police have described the attack as an isolated family dispute and reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
DroneXL’s Take
This story is a reminder that UAVs are more than just tools for photography or hobby flying. They’re becoming essential in public safety, search and rescue, and tactical operations.
Every successful mission like this one strengthens the case for more widespread adoption of drones in law enforcement. The technology not only saves time and resources but also reduces risks for officers and suspects alike. As AI-assisted flight paths and automated tracking systems become standard, future drones will likely play an even bigger role in preventing crimes and protecting lives.
For the public the message is clear: drones have become eyes of accountability and safety in the modern world.
Photo credit: News Channel 6