As a photographer, I’ve by no means received on board with digital camera drones. There’s simply one thing concerning the perspective they create in photographs and the truth that it’s one other piece of pricy gear to lug round. And then there’s the query round privateness…
However, whereas drones aren’t my cup of tea, I’ve by no means felt the necessity to level a rifle at one to carry it down. Which is precisely what a Florida man did lately, resulting in his arrest.
The incident occurred on June 13 in Lehigh Acres, Florida, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) releasing footage of the suspect within the act, captured by the very drone he was allegedly making an attempt to destroy.
Lee County authorities have been utilizing the drone to find a bear after experiences of the animal had been made. But as an alternative of recognizing the furry creature, they got here throughout a bunch of topless males who gave the impression to be capturing a rifle in a wooded space.
ABOVE: Florida police footage reveals the suspect allegedly firing on the drone
In the footage, the suspect – who’s the one individual within the group sporting a high – factors the rifle on the drone and, based on LCSO, “appeared to fire two rounds in its direction.”
LCSO has mentioned that officers responded instantly. Later body cam footage, also shared online, shows the trigger-happy suspect, identified as Elvin Antonio Callejas-Serrato, being arrested and placed in the back of a police vehicle.
According to LCSO, the officers recovered a BB rifle “loaded with steel projectiles”. What’s not clear from the footage is if Callejas-Serrato tried to hide the rifle beforehand.
The latest comments from LCSO were that Callejas-Serrato was detained and charged with Shooting or Throwing a Deadly Missile into an Aircraft, which is a serious felony offense.
Under state law, this can lead to up to 15 years in prison. While under federal jurisdiction, firing at or attempting to destroy an aircraft or its equipment can result in up to 20 years jail time.
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