He should never have been arrested for shooting at a drone that was on his property, should he? Here’s the story.
At a glance:
- Dennis Winn, 72, was arrested in Lake County, Florida, for shooting a Walmart delivery drone near his home.
- The drone sustained $2,500 in damage, and Winn faces multiple charges, including “shooting at an aircraft,” a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Walmart’s drone delivery program has expanded rapidly, but this incident highlights growing tensions over privacy and drone usage.
Walmart’s expanding drone delivery program hit turbulence in Clermont, Florida, when Dennis Winn, a 72-year-old resident, was arrested for shooting a delivery drone near his home. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department reported that Winn fired a 9mm pistol at the drone, damaging its payload system and grounding the aircraft.
Deputies responded to a call from Walmart representatives, who reported that one of their drones returned to the store with a bullet hole. A subsequent investigation led deputies to Winn’s home, where he admitted to firing a single shot at the drone.
“I fired one round at it,” Winn told deputies, according to bodycam footage. “They say I hit it, so I must be a good shot, or else it’s not that far away… I’m going to wind up having to find a real good defense lawyer.”
Winn claimed he believed the drone was surveilling him, prompting him to retrieve his pistol and fire. He was charged with multiple offenses, including “shooting at an aircraft,” criminal mischief with damage exceeding $1,000, and discharging a firearm on public or residential property.
Growing Tensions Over Drone Usage
The incident has brought attention to privacy concerns and public unease about drone technology. Winn’s reaction echoes broader frustrations seen across the U.S. in states like North Carolina and California, where drones have reportedly been targeted by gunfire in recent years.
Walmart’s drone delivery program, launched in 2021, has been expanding rapidly. The company has partnered with Wing, a drone delivery business owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, to deliver small orders in under 30 minutes. The program has recently been rolled out to communities in Texas, Florida, and Arizona, with plans to serve up to 1.8 million homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Walmart announced it has completed over 20,000 successful drone deliveries, but the Clermont shooting underscores challenges the program may face in certain communities.
Legal Implications
Shooting at a drone carries severe legal consequences. Under federal law, drones are classified as aircraft, making it a felony to shoot at them. Winn’s charge of “shooting at an aircraft” alone is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The financial cost of the incident is also significant. Walmart representatives reported $2,500 in damages to the drone’s payload system.
As drone technology becomes more prevalent, legal experts warn that conflicts like these could increase. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit interfering with drones, and violators face steep penalties.
A Future for Drone Deliveries?
While Walmart’s drone delivery program promises convenience, incidents like this highlight the complexities of integrating autonomous technology into residential neighborhoods. Privacy concerns remain a significant hurdle, as some residents view drones as potential surveillance tools.
Despite the controversy, Walmart continues to expand its drone delivery service, citing its efficiency and customer satisfaction. However, the company may need to address community concerns to prevent further incidents.
For Dennis Winn, his decision to take aim at a drone could carry lasting consequences, both legally and financially, as the nation grapples with the challenges of a drone-powered future.