A 33-year-old Oregon man faces accusations he shot down a $1,000 unmanned aerial vehicle Tuesday evening.The drone captured images of the shooter pointing a rifle just before the drone crashed to the ground, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said.
The incident happened around 5:35 p.m. at the Hoover Ponds recreation area near White City.
The victim reported his personal drone had been shot down. He also posted photos and video of the incident on Facebook.
In images taken by the drone, the shooter can be seen standing next to a gray 1994 Isuzu Trooper. In another image, the man appears to be pointing a rifle at the drone.
Deputies determined the drone was shot with a high-velocity air rifle using .177 caliber pellet ammunition.
Christopher David Grindstaff of Central Point turned himself in to deputies on Wednesday after hearing about the investigation online.
Deputies jailed Grindstaff on one count of criminal mischief in the first degree, a Class C felony. The sheriff’s office forwarded the case to both the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Photo: In images taken by the drone, the shooter can be seen standing next to a gray 1994 Isuzu Trooper. In another image, the man appears to be pointing a rifle at the drone. (via JCSO)
Source: KVAL