New Yorker shoots down neighbor's drone and gets arrested

A 60-year-old man was arrested by New York State Police on charges of second and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon. The arrest stems from an incident on June 18, when Ogdensburg resident Joseph H. Dishaw allegedly shot down a neighbor's drone using a shotgun.

According to the official press release, officers responded to Haggert Road in the Town of Oswegatchie after receiving a report of a downed drone around 6:06 p.m. An investigation determined that Dishaw had angry when his neighbor started flying a drone over his property. Dishaw used a shotgun to bring the drone down towards the victim in a threatening manner.

Following an investigation, Dishaw was arrested and transported by troopers for treatment. He was then arraigned in Municipal Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.

Although regulations for flying a drone over private property vary from state to state, federal law prohibits shooting down a drone even if trespassing. Indeed, shooting down a drone carries a serious risk of damage.

If you witness a drone not following rules established by the Federal Aviation Administration, you can contact your local FAA Flight Standards office. FAA investigators may be able to investigate your report and follow up with the drone operator. Unauthorized drone operators may be subject to sanctions and criminal charges.

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