Kaysville Police Investigating Drone That Posed As Police Officer
Sep 9, 2019, 6:29 PM | Updated: Jul 16, 2023, 4:05 pm
KAYSVILLE, Utah – Kaysville Police officers said several people reported being approached by a drone claiming to give police orders.
A drone, mounted with some kind of a speaker was used to play the apparent prank Sunday, but police said they didn’t appreciate the joke.
Officer Alexis Benson with Kaysville PD said the drone operator told people near the Davis Technical College campus there was an incident nearby and they should evacuate the area.
“We take it very seriously,” Benson said. “Kaysville Police will be investigating to figure out who is the person that’s behind the drone, and will possibly be pursuing charges.”
Benson said impersonating a police officer is a Class B misdemeanor.
Trent Paver is among those who said they were approached by the drone Sunday evening.
“When I was riding my bike, there was a drone approaching me and following me,” Paver said.
He added the drone followed him to his house.
“It said that it was the Kaysville City Police Department and that it had a situation in the area,” Paver said. “Then it proceeded to give me specific instructions to like put my dog in the house, and if I could take a seat.”
Paver said he never believed that the drone was actually being used by police.
“About two seconds later, it was, ‘this was just a test,’ and then just flew away,” Paver said. “So I hopped on my bike, and jumped and tried to follow it.”
Paver said he didn’t get very far before the drone got away. Benson said flying a drone in the area is not illegal, it’s the instructions over the speaker that police are concerned about.
“If someone wants to fly a drone, you’re more than welcome to in a public place,” Benson said. “Just be sure not to mention that you’re someone that you’re not.”
According to Utah state statutes, a Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail, and up to a $1,000 fine.
