PACIFICA, Calif. (AP) — A 55-year-old man has been arrested after he flew his drone near a California Highway Patrol helicopter, hampering a rescue effort in Pacifica.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday that the drone owner was arrested Friday on suspicion of impeding first responders at the scene of an emergency, a misdemeanor. He has since been released with a citation.
Firefighters and police were called Friday to check on reports that a man had fallen off a cliff. A CHP helicopter was called to assist in the rescue. Shortly after the helicopter arrived, first responders spotted a drone. The helicopter had to suspend the rescue and fly to a lower altitude to avoid crashing into the drone.
The fallen man was ultimately hoisted up the Cliffside and taken to a hospital.
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Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com
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