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Florida Senior’s Unusual Legal Situation Involving a Shot-Down Drone
Florida retiree Dennis Winn encounters an unexpected legal battle after shooting down a Walmart delivery drone with his 9mm handgun. The 72-year-old now navigates the legal consequences of his actions but recently reached a plea deal. His participation in a pretrial intervention program could lead to the dismissal of charges, yet questions about privacy, property rights, and drone technology’s future loom.
Walmart Mock Delivery Ends in Gunfire
Dennis Winn, a former fire captain from New Jersey, shot at a Walmart delivery drone descending over the Overlook at Lake Louisa neighborhood in Clermont, Florida. The drone, part of a mock delivery campaign, was struck by a bullet, resulting in over $1,000 in damages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifies drones as aircraft, making the act a severe violation with potential federal penalties.
Winn admitted to using his 9mm pistol on the device, concerned over previous drone encounters he believed to be unauthorized surveillance. Clermont law enforcement discovered a bullet hole in the drone’s payload, a component that can cost up to $2,500, intensifying the charges against him.
Florida Man opens fire on a Walmart delivery drone; Jokes "I can't breathe" as cops handcuffed him.
Dennis Winn, a 72-year-old from Lake County, Florida, was arrested for shooting down a Walmart delivery drone with his 9mm handgun after it flew over his property.
Legal… pic.twitter.com/ANd55WteEh
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) December 6, 2024
Legal Repercussions and Intervention
The incident has legal ripples stretching beyond immediate penalties. Charges against Winn include second-degree felony for shooting at an aircraft, third-degree felony for criminal mischief, and misdemeanor for discharging a firearm in public. Following these charges, Winn was booked and later released on a $13,500 bond.
Winn accepted a plea deal allowing entry into a pretrial intervention program similar to probation. Successful program completion could dismiss both felony and misdemeanor charges. As part of the agreement, he is required to pay $5,000 in restitution to DroneUp Delivery, the company owning the damaged drone.
Don't come to Florida we even shoot drones. I so wish they changed this law there's no reason they should be able to fly a drone over my house just so they can deliver a package. I shot my neighbors with BB gun when he first moved here and then we had a discussion. https://t.co/ZEHY4DzlvU
— Michel (@PelotaDawg) December 6, 2024
Impact of Drone Technology and Community Reactions
Walmart began its drone delivery trials in Florida through a partnership with DroneUp, aiming to pioneer new delivery methods. Their efforts have enabled over 30,000 successful deliveries since the program’s inception. However, the shooting highlights community concerns and legal ambiguities around emerging drone technology.
Federal laws protecting airspace integrity underscore the importance of safe and legal drone operations. The FAA recommends reporting unauthorized drone activities to local offices. Incidents like the drone shooting disrupt controlled airspace and can endanger aircraft and individuals below.
Sources:
72-year-old arrested for shooting at Walmart delivery drone
Florida man accused of shooting Walmart delivery drone
Florida man arrested after shooting, destroying Walmart delivery drone
Florida man admits to shooting at Walmart delivery drone, damaging payload
Florida Man Shoots Down Walmart Drone in Lake County and is Facing Legal Implications – The Law Firm of Douglas G. Jackson
Retiree Who Shot Walmart Drone In Plea Deal | The Smoking Gun
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