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Judge: Defendant 'Had a Right' To Shoot Down Drone (wdrb.com)

EzInKy writes: Back in July, Kentucky resident William Merideth was arrested after he shot down a drone flying near his property. The arrest wasn't because of the destroyed drone, but because Merideth fired a gun within the city limits. Now, after a two-hour hearing in Bullitt District Court, a judge has dismissed all charges against Merideth. The owner of the drone, David Boggs, has always contested Merideth's claim that it was hovering over his yard. "But Judge Rebecca Ward says that since at least two witnesses could see the drone below the tree line, it was an invasion of privacy." Ward further said that Merideth "had a right to shoot at this drone."

3 of 620 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Do you know how far bullets fly? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I have been hit many, many times by birdshot that somebody fired 'up'. Duck tower, Metro Gun Club, Blaine Minnesota. When the shooters shoot at the clay targets (up) the shot is often sprinkled across the parking lot when it comes down. Now, this is usually 7-9 birdshot, so very small projectiles. I can see buck shot hurting, but not being very damaging.

  2. Re:There was a sudden disturbance in the force... by ScentCone · · Score: 5, Informative

    Yeah, birdshot is safe to fire into the air, so there goes *that* argument)

    Ever caught some birdshot in the face, after someone fired it up (above a treeline)? No? I have, from over 100 yards away. If I hadn't been wearing eye protection, I'd be blind right now. This is not as cut and dry as you're making it out to be. Not even close.

    --
    Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
  3. Re:Do you know how far bullets fly? by sabbede · · Score: 4, Informative

    More like 50 meters. Past that, they're just BB's. Could put an eye out I suppose, but they don't have enough energy to do much else.