Occurred During Protest Of The Dakota Access Pipeline In North Dakota

Authorities report two documented cases where an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flew at a helicopter in a threatening manner. The helicopter was assisting in surveillance in the vicinity of Highway 1806 during an active protest situation Sunday morning. A sheriff on board the helicopter reported to law enforcement on the ground that the helicopter pilot and passengers were “in fear of their lives”, and that the “drone came after us.”

The Bismark Tribune reports that the protests were at a work site for the Dakota Access Pipeline.

According to the Morton County, ND Sheriff's office, at around 11:00 a.m., the drone was flying directly above officers, in violation of FAA rules. Law enforcement used less-than-lethal ammunition to fire on and damage the UAS, which was then landed by the drone operator.

“The FAA has strict guidelines and regulations governing the use of drones around unprotected people and manned aircraft. The drones being operated near the local protests and the camps south of Mandan generally are not being operated within the regulations. Reports of drones not being operated within the FAA guidelines or in a reckless and unsafe manner are being investigated and forwarded to the Morton County State Attorney’s office,” said Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier.

Two drone operators have previously been charged for crimes involving illegal use of unmanned aircraft systems during the on-going protest situation. Myron Dewey was charged with stalking and Aaron Turgeon was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment, one being a C Felony for flying an UAS at a North Dakota Highway Patrol plane.

Authorities are currently monitoring protest activity north of the camp, near Highway 1806. Due to the traffic
hazard the public, highway 1806 has been closed due. As of Sunday morning, 200 protesters and 8 horses had cut fence and entered private property east of 1806. This is private property that is a DAPL (Dakota Access Pipeline) construction site. DAPL employees are working along the pipeline route today.

(Source: Morton County Sheriff news release. Image provided by DAPL)

FMI: Morton County ND Sheriff