FRESNO, CA (KSEE) — Sheriff’s deputies in Fresno, California have confiscated a drone after it nearly collided with their helicopter.
In a statement, officials said “Eagle One” was travelling to Shaver Lake Wednesday to survey snow levels, when they saw something in the sky resembling a bird. The sighting happened at an altitude of 550 feet, in the skies near the intersection of Temperance and Shepherd.
Officials said as the helicopter got closer, they recognize that the “bird” was actually an unmanned aircraft. The pilot maneuvered out of its path, and then saw the aircraft flying over the top of the helicopter’s rotor. According to officials, the aircraft missed striking the rotor by only about 20 feet.
After the incident, officials said the helicopter went up to 1,500 feet, orbiting the area to look for anyone on the ground with a remote control. The helicopter’s siren and speaker system was also turned on, telling the aircraft’s operator to land the aircraft, and stay still, so that ground crews can contact the person.Read more: http://bit.ly/1mfZBby