People have been threatening to shoot down drones since they first began flying over US airspace. Many cite invasion of privacy as the reason; others just wanted to knock something out of the air before dove season. According to ARS Technica, a Kentucky man did it because the operator was flying a drone over his property.
Hillview’s William Merideth, 43, had reportedly seen two or three drones flying over his property over the course of the last year. He was disturbed, but when one came flying by with a video camera, he took action—and aim.
Merideth shot the drone with a shotgun and Number 8 shot. Soon after, a car of five men pulled up to his house and demanded to know if he was the one who shot their drone down.
Merideth’s respone: “If you cross that sidewalk onto my property, there’s going to be another shooting.” The 10mm Glock on his hip said the rest.
The men left, but Hillview Police came soon after. Merideth was arrested and charged, then released the next day.
William Merideth Photo credit: Arrests.org
Merideth was arrested July 26 and charged with criminal mischief and wanton endangerment. Merideth pointed out the “endangerment” wasn’t very dangerous.
“Now, if I’d have had a .22 rifle, I should have gone to jail for that,” Merideth said. “The diameter of those things are going to come down with enough force to hurt somebody. Number 8 birdshot is not. Number 8 is the size of a pinhead.”
Merideth has a lawyer and is preparing for a hearing. Lead speaks volumes, but if he could pass along some extra advice to the drone’s operator:
“I would just like [him] to get some education on his toy and learn to respect the rights of the people,” Merideth said. “It’s fine and dandy, and I think it’s cool there’s a camera on it, but just take it to a park or something—he’s not a responsible drone owner.”