SUBJECT: Community Complaint Leads to Narcotics Sales Arrest
LOCATION: 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
DATE/TIME: May 5, 2026, Approximately 5:15 P.M.
On May 5, 2026, the Redwood City Police Department deployed its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program to the area surrounding the Main Library, located at 1044 Middlefield Road. The deployment was in response to multiple community complaints regarding individuals drinking alcohol, using drugs and causing disturbances in the area.
At approximately 5:15 P.M., officers monitoring the drone observed a male subject, carrying a cross-body satchel and riding a bicycle, engage in a hand-to-hand transaction consistent with narcotics sales. The suspect then rode away from the area. The drone maintained visual observation with the suspect while patrol officers coordinated a response.
Approximately 10 minutes later, officers attempted to detain the suspect in the 2500 block of El Camino Real. Using real-time drone support, officers coordinated their approach and selected a contact location with minimal pedestrian traffic, reducing risk to bystanders. The suspect fled on foot and discarded his satchel during the pursuit. Officers apprehended the suspect without further incident a short time later.
A search of the discarded satchel revealed suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, and a digital scale. The suspect was arrested and identified as Miguel Alvarado-Gonzalez, a 31-year-old Redwood City resident. He was booked into the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility on the following charges:
- 11351 H&S – Possession of Narcotics for Sale (Fentanyl)
- 11378 H&S – Possession of Controlled Substance for Sale (Methamphetamine)
- 135 PC – Destroying or Concealing Evidence
- 148 PC – Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer
- 1203.2(a) PC – Probation Violation
The purchaser of narcotics was later contacted by officers. He was found to have methamphetamine on his person. He was positively identified as William Michael Addiego, a 73-year-old Redwood City resident. Addiego was cited and released for:
- 11377(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine)
Illegal narcotics activity is often difficult to detect in real time and typically requires significant resources. This case highlights the effectiveness of the Department’s DFR program, which allowed officers to quickly identify criminal activity, maintain continuous observation, and coordinate a safe and efficient apprehension using fewer resources and with less disruption to the community.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Redwood City Police Department’s non-emergency line at (650) 780-7100.
