On February 11, 2025, a DJI Air 3 Police drone operated by the Oscoda Township Police Department was allegedly shot down by a civilian during a tense standoff in Tawas Township, Michigan. The suspect, 21-year-old Alexander J. Bessey, now faces multiple felony charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious destruction of police property, stemming from the incident in Iosco County. As reported by MLive, this event underscores the evolving role of drone technology in law enforcement and the Juridique challenges it introduces.

Incident Background

The incident began around 5:45 p.m. when Michigan State Police troopers responded to a call from Bessey’s father, who resides about 250 yards from his son’s home on McArdle Road. According to court records cited by MLive, the father reported that Bessey was threatening suicide and violence against others while firing an automatic rifle outside. A text message from Bessey warned his father not to leave and threatened to “shoot everyone” if police were involved.

Troopers set up a perimeter and observed Bessey firing both a rifle and a shotgun into a snowbank, wooded area, and across a public roadway in what was described as “erratic and feverish” behavior. To assess the situation without direct confrontation, Oscoda Township police deployed a drone for aerial observation—a common practice in first responder drone use. The drone recorded Bessey’s gunfire until he allegedly aimed a shotgun at it and fired, causing it to crash. Bessey surrendered shortly after, emerging unarmed with his hands raised.

Legal Charges and Consequences

Bessey faces a series of charges::

• Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (four-year felonies),
• Malicious destruction of police or fire department property (a felony),
• Felony firearm possession (mandatory two-year consecutive sentence),
• Reckless use of a firearm (a 90-day misdemeanor).

As of February 24, 2025, Bessey remains in custody at Iosco County Jail, with a preliminary examination scheduled for March 4. These charges highlight the severity of interfering with police equipment, a growing concern as drones become vital tools in law enforcement.

Under federal law, it is illegal to shoot at or damage aircraft, including drones. Violations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. This applies to all aircraft, whether manned or unmanned, and is enforced to ensure public safety and the integrity of airspace.

Drone Use in Law Enforcement

Drones, even consumer drone models such as the DJI Air 3, enhance public safety by offering real-time aerial perspectives in dangerous situations, as seen in this incident. Operating at distances like the 250 yards reported here, they typically exceed the effective range of most shotguns, making this a rare instance of vulnerability.

The Oscoda Township Police Department’s use aligns with trends in first responder drone applications, where drones reduce risks to officers. However, this event raises questions about drone durability and the need for advancements in drone technology, such as stronger tele- or zoom lenses so that the drone can be flown at a great distance from the subject, reinforced airframe designs or even evasion capabilities.

Regulatory and Safety Implications

drone de police operations often fall under FAA exemptions for public safety, allowing flexibility like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights during emergencies. While these regulations facilitate rapid response, the deliberate downing of a drone introduces safety and enforcement challenges.

The alleged destruction of a police drone by Alexander J. Bessey marks a significant drone incident with implications for law enforcement and the drone ecosystem. As legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could shape policies on drone interference, balancing public safety with individual actions.

For the drone technology sector, it’s a call to innovate, ensuring drones remain effective tools in high-risk scenarios.

Featured photo courtesy of Cole Waterman / MLive.