SFPD Drone Shot at in Outer Sunset: A Test for Police UAS Technology

On March 8, 2025, a tense standoff in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood put the SFPD’s drone program under scrutiny. A suspect allegedly fired at a police drone—marking a potential first since the department began using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in 2024—before engaging officers in a shootout. The suspect was wounded and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, as reported by Mission Local. This drone incident highlights the growing role of drones in policing and the challenges they face in hostile encounters.

Drone Incident Details: Shots Fired at 41st Avenue

At 4:32 p.m. on Saturday, SFPD officers responded to reports of an armed man threatening neighbors near 41st Avenue, between Lincoln Way and Irving Street. Deploying a police drone from their six-unit fleet, officers aimed to monitor the situation from above. The suspect fired at the drone—its model unspecified in initial reports—though it’s unclear if it was hit. He then discharged his weapon again during a confrontation with officers, who returned fire, striking him. Officers provided aid before paramedics took him to a hospital.

The incident is under investigation by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, SFPD’s Investigative Services Detail, and the Department of Police Accountability, with a town hall required within 10 days.

Technical Spotlight: SFPD’s Drone Fleet

SFPD’s drone program, launched in 2024 after Proposition E, relies on a fleet of six UAS units, with the DJI Matrice 30T widely reported as their primary model. This enterprise drone offers a 48-megapixel camera with 4K HDR video, thermal imaging, a 45-minute flight time, and a 9-mile range—though SFPD adheres to FAA line-of-sight rules. Weighing under 55 pounds per FAA Part 107, it’s built for tactical use but not for withstanding gunfire.

While it’s possible the DJI Matrice 30T was involved in Outer Sunset, given its prominence in SFPD’s $150,000 program, the exact model remains unconfirmed for this incident.

The Outer Sunset event underscores a vulnerability: these lightweight UAS units excel at observation but lack defenses against physical threats, a concern for agencies nationwide.

DroneXL’s Take

This Outer Sunset drone incident is a stark reminder of drones’ dual role in law enforcement: invaluable tools and exposed targets. While SFPD’s UAS fleet boosts tactical awareness, the Outer Sunset suspect’s actions highlight a legal line crossed—under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 32, shooting at aircraft, including drones, is a felony, carrying up to 20 years in prison.

Photo courtesy of San Francisco Police Department.