Auburn Police used a drone to help locate and arrest a driver accused of displaying a handgun during a road rage confrontation Sept. 15, according to the Auburn Police Department.

Officers were dispatched at about 5:15 p.m. to 3rd Street NW and C Street Nw after a driver reported that another motorist had displayed what appeared to be a handgun during the confrontation.

The driver told police the incident began while the two vehicles were traveling near SR 18 and West Valley Highway. The vehicles continued toward West Main Street and C Street NW, where the drivers exchanged words, police said.

The reporting driver said he feared for his safety and began driving toward the Auburn Police Department. The other driver continued following him before turning into a nearby parking lot, according to police.

As officers responded, the department deployed its Skydio DFR drone system to track the suspect vehicle and provide officers with an aerial view of the area.

Officers located the white Ford sedan and conducted a high risk traffic stop. The driver, who was the vehicle’s only occupant, was safely taken into custody.

Police said they recovered a firearm from the suspect and established probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of felony harassment. He was taken to the King County Jail.

Auburn P.D. began its drone program in 2019 and has continued expanding its use of the technology to assist officers and support public safety. The department’s Skydio DFR trial is scheduled to end Oct. 9.