Cops Use Drone To Nab 2 Accused Reckless Moped Operators In Southington: Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Two men were arrested after allegedly driving mopeds recklessly through Southington and attempting to flee from police, according to the Southington Police Department on Tuesday, July 14.

Police said officers were dispatched at approximately 4:47 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, to the area of Meriden Avenue and Main Street after receiving reports that two moped operators were driving recklessly around a Hunter's Ambulance and other motorists.

As officers responded, the department deployed its Drone First Responder (DFR) program to locate the suspects and relay their movements to officers on the ground.

According to police, the drone tracked the two riders as they traveled through town while committing multiple motor vehicle violations, including reckless driving and unsafe passing.

When officers attempted to stop them, both suspects allegedly fled.

One suspect, Jacob Elias Ramos, 20, of Meriden, was taken into custody at the scene.

During the arrest, officers recovered what appeared to be a Glock-style handgun that was later determined to be a CO2-powered BB pistol.

Police also seized a flare gun wrapped in black electrical tape to resemble a handgun, along with a quantity of marijuana.

The second suspect, Carlos Ramos, 22, of Bristol, allegedly fled into a wooded area on his moped.

Police established a perimeter and requested K-9 assistance.

With help from the Connecticut State Police and the New Britain Police Department K-9 Unit, officers located Carlos Ramos in the woods and took him into custody without further incident.

Jacob Elias Ramos was charged with:

• Interfering with an officer
• Illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle
• Reckless driving
• Multiple motor vehicle offenses

He was held on a $100,000 bond.

Carlos Ramos was charged with:

• Interfering with an officer
• Reckless driving
• Multiple motor vehicle offenses

He was also held on a $100,000 bond.

The Southington Police Department thanked the Connecticut State Police and the New Britain Police Department K-9 Unit for assisting with the incident.

As with all criminal charges, the allegations are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.