See video of the arrest below. See the video that he police accidentally captured of themselves by hitting ‘record’ on the drone. One officer was gunning for Jason once he ‘educated’ officers on how the law works in Michigan, and why the ordinance does not apply to drones.
Jason Harrison – Outline of issues discussed.
- You are a Part 107 certified pilot
- How did you get involved in UAS
- What kind of commercial operations do you do under part 107?
- Did you fly recreationally before part 107?
- You were flying your drone at a Park in Genessee County
- Tell us about your encounter with the park police
- What were you doing when you were approached
- What did they say to you and how did you respond?
- Mention to video of the police
- jacuzzibusguy
- They took your Mavic. How long?
- Go over MI statute and ordinance.
- Section XXIII – Balloons, Airplanes and Parachutes
- No person shall make any ascent or descent in any balloon, airplane or parachute on any land or waters administered by or under the jurisdiction of the Commission without first obtaining written permission from the Commission or its agent or except as may be necessary in the event of an emergency.
- MCL 259.305 – Michigan’s Prohibition on Drone Regulations by Municipalities
- “Except as expressly authorized by statute, a political subdivision shall not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft or otherwise engage in the regulation of the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft.”
- The county is currently relying on the second portion of the statute which states “This act does not prohibit a political subdivision from promulgating rules, regulations, and ordinances for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by the political subdivision within the boundaries of the political subdivision.”
- Harrison also said the Genesee County Prosecutor, David Leyton has refused to authorize charges against a person parks police arrested for operating a drone last year. He referred the commission to several sources where they can clarify the law.
- Genesee County Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Potbury verified they denied a warrant request from the Genesee County Parks & Recreation for someone’s operation of a “drone” in a county park.
- What is going to happen next with parks?
- Harrison also said the Genesee County Prosecutor, David Leyton has refused to authorize charges against a person parks police arrested for operating a drone last year. He referred the commission to several sources where they can clarify the law.
- Section XXIII – Balloons, Airplanes and Parachutes
- Tell us about your encounter with the park police
- How did you get involved in UAS