NYPD: UAV Came in 800 Feet of Police Chopper

July 8, 2014
Police have arrested two people for operating a UAV over the George Washington Bridge that came within 800 feet of a police helicopter.

NEW YORK (AP) — Police have arrested two people for operating a drone over the George Washington Bridge that came within 800 feet of a police helicopter.

They say the helicopter pilot spotted the small unmanned aircraft near the bridge at 12:21 a.m. Monday. The drone continued to circle the bridge, forcing the chopper to change course to avoid it.

The pilot notified the 34th Precinct after observing the drone land on a parked vehicle.

When police arrived, they recovered two drones with remote controls.

Police arrested Wilkins Mendoza and Remy Castro, both of Manhattan, on reckless endangerment charges. Information about their lawyer wasn't immediately available.

The Federal Aviation Administration hasn't set standards for certifying the safety of civilian drones, and efforts to provide them regular access to U.S. skies face significant hurdles.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sponsored Recommendations

Build Your Real-Time Crime Center

March 19, 2024
A checklist for success

Whitepaper: A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

July 28, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge

A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

June 6, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge.

Listen to Real-Time Emergency 911 Calls in the Field

Feb. 8, 2023
Discover advanced technology that allows officers in the field to listen to emergency calls from their vehicles in real time and immediately identify the precise location of the...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!