Prosecutors in Audrain County (Missouri, USA) filed charges against a local man, accusing him of attacking a law enforcement drone with his drone.
On the night of November 7, 2023, Audrain County Sheriff’s Office members patrolled the City of Vandalia during a scheduled city-wide power outage to allow maintenance crews to work on the city’s electrical infrastructure. Around 1:03 a.m. on November 7th, deputies spoke with Ryan Breden, who was described as uncooperative. During the encounter, Breden learned that drones were being used by law enforcement.
At 10:26 p.m. the following evening, a drone pilot from the Sheriff’s Office was conducting observation flights with a drone equipped with an infrared camera. During one of the observation flights the Sheriff’s Office drone was intentionally “attacked” by another drone in an attempt to cause a crash.
The Sheriff’s Office drone pilot evaded the drone attack, used the infrared camera to identify the other operator, and guided deputies to the operator’s location. The operator, identified as Breden, was arrested, and his drone and equipment were seized.
Breden was transported to the Audrain County Jail. He faces charges of attempted first-degree property damage (Felony) and obstruction of government operations. The case awaits formal charging and release decisions from the courts, and incident records will be forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration for further review and action.
See Also-
Man Attempts to Shoot Down Police Drone
Man Who Shot Down Drone Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charge
PA Man Who Shot Police Drone Sentenced
NJ Man Arrested for Dropping Chemicals via Drone
Post Image- Prosecutors charged Ryan Breden, 40, with a felony count of First-Degree Property Damage – Law Enforcement, and a misdemeanor count of Obstructing Government Operations. (Image Credit: Audrain County Sheriff’s Office)
