A Florida resident, Dennis Winn, is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting down a Walmart delivery drone in Lake County. The incident took place near Winn’s home, located close to a Walmart store on Johns Lake Road in Clermont.
Deputies were called to the Walmart location after representatives from the drone delivery service reported the shooting. According to the arrest affidavit, Winn admitted to shooting the drone with a 9mm pistol. He claimed he believed the drone was surveilling him, a concern stemming from previous experiences with drones flying over his property.
The representatives, who were performing mock deliveries in a nearby community to generate interest, reported hearing a loud noise consistent with a gunshot as the drone descended. They identified a 72-year-old man, later confirmed to be Winn, who fired the shot.
The drone, which sustained significant damage estimated at $2,500 to its payload system, managed to return to the Walmart store. Inspection revealed a bullet hole in the payload area. Deputies then returned to Winn’s home, where he confirmed his involvement in the incident.
Winn was arrested and charged with shooting at an aircraft, criminal mischief with damage exceeding $1,000, and discharging a firearm on public or residential property.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies drones similarly to manned aircraft when it comes to legal protections against shooting. Despite FAA regulations, incidents of civilians shooting at drones have occurred often.
Retailers like Walmart are increasingly utilizing drones for delivery, with over 20,000 safe deliveries conducted in test markets. The company aims to establish the largest drone delivery network in the U.S. . Other companies, including DoorDash and Chick-fil-A, are
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