First Federal Charge For Drone Shootdown Filed | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-12.09.24

Airborne-NextGen-12.03.24

Airborne-Unlimited-12.04.24

Airborne Flt Training-12.05.24

Airborne-Unlimited-12.06.24

Sat, Nov 06, 2021

First Federal Charge For Drone Shootdown Filed

Felon Nets Surface-to-Air Drone Kill With .22 

What may be the first time charges have been filed in such circumstances, the Lake County Sheriff's office has brought federal prosecution for an unmanned system shoot-down.

The accused was able to bring down their small drone with 2 well-placed shots of .22 long rifle, for which he now faces federal charges for interference with the operation of an aircraft. 

In July 2021, law enforcement responded to a burglary call at a 10 acre business property in Mount Dora, Florida. In order to surveil the property and find the culprit faster, they deployed their drone to begin searching the expanse, only to see it quickly drop to the ground and catch fire. The man, inside a nearby building, believed the drone had arrived to harass him and fired 2 rounds from his .22 rifle, immediately downing the small aircraft. Deputies approached him where he readily admitted to the act, believing he had done nothing unlawful as the recipient of drone "harassment". Unfortunately, the 29-time felon's opinion was in error, as well as his possession of a firearm, quickly landing him into the deputy's care. 

The accused now faces a rare charge, and in some ways, a landmark crime: Being charged for his anti-drone actions under the same statute as a full-size, manned aircraft. Aviation attorney and former FAA counsel Loretta Alkalay opined that the shootdown would be fully prosecutable under 18 U.S. code § 32, saying that the law prohibits interfering with anyone “engaged in the authorized operation of such aircraft“ and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Since drones are considered aircraft, threatening a drone or a drone operator, according to Ms. Alkalay, would also be a federal crime subject to five years in prison under this same statute.

The case is interesting to operators and pilots, for now, in this early phase of unmanned systems. With legal codes built around people and everyday vehicles, there have been many conflicts and disagreements over the wide-ranging privacy implications on drone usage. At what point can someone interfere with operations on their own land? Should downing a drone levy the same penalties as downing manned aircraft? As use increases, and incidents become more widespread, questions like these will only become more common. 

FMI: https://www.lcso.org

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.07.24): Ultralight Vehicle

Ultralight Vehicle A single-occupant aeronautical vehicle operated for sport or recreational purposes which does not require FAA registration, an airworthiness certificate, or pilo>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.07.24)

Aero Linx: 1-26 Association The Association’s goal is to foster the helpfulness, the camaraderie, and the opportunity for head-to-head competition that is found in One Design>[...]

Airborne 12.02.24: Electra FG EIS, Prez Osprey Problems, Starship Wants 25

Also: EAA Ray Foundation, MagniX Records, Ruko U11MINI Drone, RCAF PC-21s Elektra Solar recently put the first aircraft from its Elektra Trainer Fixed-Gear (FG) family into service>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (12.08.24)

“Airline workers know far too well the devastating effects corporate bankruptcies have on the lives of hardworking Americans. Following 9/11, pilots, including myself, made e>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.08.24): Approach Speed

Approach Speed The recommended speed contained in aircraft manuals used by pilots when making an approach to landing. This speed will vary for different segments of an approach as >[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2024 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC