Drone vs. Shotgun: Texas Man Charged with ‘Deadly Conduct’ After Shooting Down Roofing Drone

A Texas roofing company’s' drone is blown out of the sky.

Police Charge a Copperas Cove Man with Shooting Down a Drone

According to Fox 44 News, a man from Copperas Cove is facing several charges after a roofing company’s drone was shot down. Police say they responded to a complaint that a man fired shotgun towards a roofing company employee.

The Roofing Company was Using the Drone for Marketing Purposes

An arrest report detailed how multiple officers responded to the call and learned that the roofing company was using a drone to take marketing pictures of a roof. According to Fox 44, the roofing company owner heard a loud noise and turned to see a man holding a shotgun in the driveway of the house next door. According to police, the man was yelling at the roofing company owner to stay off his property. The victim told police he then saw his drone on the ground damaged beyond repair.

Jeffery Alan Spencer Faces Charges

According to the Copperas Cove Police report, Jeffery Alan Spencer was arrested on charges of deadly conduct discharge of firearm, criminal mischief, use and discharge of a firearm in the city limits on certain property within the city and possession of drug paraphernalia.

It is Illegal to Shoot Down Drones in Texas

The reason it is illegal to shoot drones in Texas is because the FAA classifies drones as aircraft. According to versustexas.com, it does not matter the size or purpose of the drone. The aircraft classification gives drones the same protection as other aircraft.

Laws Regarding Drones

Drones are protected by state and federal laws.

Federal:

18 U.S.C. § 32 – Destruction of Aircraft

A fine of up to $250,000; and up to 20 years in jail

18 U.S.C. § 1030 – Computer Fraud and Abuse Act

If a drone is damaged or disabled through electronic means, it could be considered a violation of the CFAA.

State Laws:

Texas Penal Code § 28.03 – Criminal Mischief

Damaging or destroying a drone could be prosecuted as criminal mischief. Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.

Texas Penal Code § 42.01 – Disorderly Conduct

Discharging a firearm in a public place or on or across a public road could be charged as disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor.

Texas Penal Code § 22.05 – Deadly Conduct

If shooting at a drone poses a risk to others, it could be charged as deadly conduct, a Class A misdemeanor, or a third-degree felony.

Texas Local Government Code § 229.001 – Firearms Regulations

Some local ordinances ban the discharge of firearms within city limits.

What About Birds Taking Out Drones?

I do not know if there are any laws on the books in the United States banning birds from taking out drones...but it is cool as all get out.