Constable Mark Herman's drone unit responded to multiple burglary attempts and alarm activations near FM 1960 and the North Freeway overnight Sunday into Monday, Aug. 10, deploying the aerial unit known as "Viper" to track a fleeing suspect.

Sgt. Ballard, the drone's operator, assisted Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies after the reports came in, according to Precinct 4's official account on X. The constable's office confirmed a suspect fled the area. The full outcome of the pursuit has not been released.

The FM 1960 and North Freeway corridor in Spring has seen repeated Precinct 4 drone deployments this summer. In a prior operation, deputies used both Viper and a second drone called "Iceman" to track down eight suspects following a burglary investigation in the 18900 block of North Freeway. On July 28, the same drones helped apprehend two of eight trespassers at the abandoned Main Street America property in Spring after a viral TikTok trend drew people to the site, KPRC reported.

"A TikTok trend isn't worth a criminal record ... especially when ICEMAN is watching," Herman said in a statement after the July 28 arrests.

Precinct 4 describes its drones as "force multipliers" that extend the reach of deputies without adding personnel. The office, headquartered on Cypresswood Drive in Spring, employs more than 670 sworn deputies serving north Harris County.

The overnight response comes as Spring-area schools reopen this week. Precinct 4 has already stationed deputies on Briarcreek Boulevard ahead of the first day of classes, as we reported Aug. 10.

Residents who notice suspicious activity can request extra patrol or submit a "Vacation Watch Request" through constablepct4.com or the C4 NOW mobile app. Precinct 4's 24-hour dispatch line is 281-376-3472.