Martin Sheldon, the 57-year-old man who flew a drone next to a police helicopter conducting a Hollywood manhunt, has been sentenced to three years of probation and 30 days of community service. He did not contest the charge of interfering with a police investigation.
"Interfering with a police investigation through the careless operation of a drone places our officers and the public at serious risk," City Attorney Mike Feuer said in a official statement. "This conviction sends a strong message that we will hold those who recklessly operate these devices accountable for their actions."
Sheldon directed the drone towards the LAPD helicopter in Aug. 27, which prompted the aircraft to take evasive action. The helicopter is assisting the pursuit of an assault suspect. "Our pilot looked up and saw two red lights coming at him," LAPD Capt. Al Lopez previously told CBS LA. "The pilot had to stress the machine to lower it. It placed out pilot in immediate danger."
Authorities tracked the drone to Sheldon, who was piloting the drone at a parking lot in Sunset Boulevard, Ars Technica reported.
In addition to the probation and community labor, Sheldon was also ordered to forfeit his $6,000 drone system and is banned to own or operate any drone system for three years, according to the Associated Press. Sheldon's case is expected to set legal precedent in future cases concerning individual ownership and operation of drone systems.
