A Florida man (of course) is facing charges after officers say he pointed a firearm at a law enforcement drone and fired. The situation happened during an active response in the Lehigh Acres area.
Officials said the drone, which acts as an aerial first responder to help deputies quickly assess potentially dangerous situations, was actively monitoring the area when something unusual caught the operator’s attention. It saw a group of people holding what appeared to be a weapon.
Looking at the video, it very much looks like a rifle from afar. A few moments later, the man who was holding the weapon pointed it at the drone and fired two rounds.
Because deputies were already nearby responding to the call, authorities said they quickly moved in and made contact with the group shortly after the incident. From the very beginning, this didn’t look good for the suspect.
One Quick Move on Camera Ended With Handcuffs
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened over the weekend when the agency’s Drone as First Responder program was launched to assist deputies responding to a call in the area of Todd Avenue South.
Looking at the footage, it doesn’t seem as though the suspect, who was later identified as Elvin Antonio Callejas-Serrato, really understood the gravity of what he was about to do. You can see him raise the weapon into the air, point it directly at the camera, and allegedly fire.
Once the officers arrived on scene, they were able to quickly single out Callejas-Serrato from the group and arrest him. When they found the weapon, it was discovered to be a BB gun loaded with steel projectiles. This could very well have injured someone if not used properly.
Sheriff Sends Clear Message After Drone Incident
Callejas-Serrato was detained and later charged with shooting or throwing deadly missiles into an aircraft. The Sheriff’s Office did not immediately release additional details about Callejas-Serrato or whether anyone else involved in the incident could face charges.
In a statement following the arrest, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno defended the department’s expanding use of technology, emphasizing that tools like drones are intended to increase both officer and public safety.
“The technology we have implemented is used to protect and serve our great residents. Our Drone First Responder allows us to quickly respond and keep both our deputies and community safe.”
Drones Are Quickly Becoming Law Enforcement’s Extra Eyes
The Drone as First Responder program has become an increasingly popular tool among law enforcement agencies across the country. Rather than waiting for deputies to physically arrive at a scene, drones can often be launched first to provide real-time video, identify possible threats, and help officers plan a safer response.
Supporters argue the technology can reduce risks for both deputies and civilians by giving responders better information before making contact. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the expanding use of surveillance technology in residential areas.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. As always, all suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.