Everett Police Share Drone Footage of Man Threatening People With What Appeared to Be a Gun

Man pointing what appeared to be a gun at cars and pedestrians.

The Everett Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program deploys police-operated drones to emergency scenes, providing real-time aerial intelligence to responding officers.

On January 14, 2026, officers utilized DFR while responding to a report of a male pointing a gun, or similar item, at passersby in North Everett on Broadway.

The drone operator arrived in the area of 21st and Broadway just before officers. Using the drone’s camera, the drone operator was able to confirm the object the male was pointing was a lighter, not a gun.

This critical information was relayed to responding officers which prompted a measured response, de-escalating a potential force encounter before contact with the male was even made.

You can see the full drone footage here:

The male was contacted by officers and detained for investigation. He was then connected with appropriate services.

This is an example of DFR improving situational awareness and facilitating a safer resolution for officers and the community they serve.

The Everett Police Department DFR program is still undergoing full implementation and will be completely operational in the coming months.