Man arrested flying drone near police

CHARLOTTE, NC– “This drone could have caused the helicopter to crash,” said CMPD Lt. Robert Whitley.

Police arrested and charged Christopher Baucom with flying his drone around 12:45 Friday morning near Sharon Amity and Albemarle as police were in the middle of a search.

“Which caused aircraft Commander Bristol who was flying at the time to take evasive action and completely abandon our search for the suspect that was running from officers,” said CMPD police, Officer Cody Brown.

It’s illegal to fly any drone at night and near any other aircraft. Police say it wasn’t a mistake, Baucom had a phone running a scanner app.

“His purpose was to come out and film the helicopter while it was in action, that’s what he did,” said Lt. Whitley.

Brent Johnson owns HobbyTown in Mooresville and sells drones.

“You have to read the rules understand the rules and abide by the rules,” said Johnson.

Johnson says drones are so easy to buy these days, many people never take the time to read the FAA rules.

“A lot of people will buy these online, because they’re available online, brick and mortar retailers we’re here to help you understand how to use it, where to use it and how to use it safely,” said Johnson.

And Johnson says there’s a strong drone community that needs to police itself against people like Baucom who police say chose to not follow the rules.

“When they hear of them doing something like this, they go, man don’t do this you’re going to jeopardize my hobby I love,” said Johnson.

Baucom is free on $1,000 bond but facing a felony charge of interference of a manned aircraft and resisting arrest of an officer.

New FAA regulations say every drone a half pound or more must be registered with the owners information. anyone can go onto FAA. gov to read all the before you fly rules to avoid causing a safety concern or getting arrested