COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WBFF) - While firefighters were battling near the University of Maryland, a local man nearly crashed his drone into a police helicopter working on the blaze, said officials.

The Homeland Security division of the Prince George's County Police Department charged Trevon Miller, 24, of College Park, with flying "his privately-owned drone into the direct flight path of our helicopter," according to a press release.

He was allegedly flying the drone at about 12:30 p.m.

"The pilot performed evasive maneuvers and was able to prevent a collision," said police in the press release, noting the drone was in restricted airspace in the area of the fire.



Detectives will consult the Federal Aviation Administration, which recently set rules regarding flying hobby drones, regarding any more charges. Miller is already being charged with interfering with police and fire response, as well as reckless endangerment.

The National Capital Region is considered restricted airspace, and Prince George's County police is reminding "residents to be mindful of specific laws when operating a drone device and to check with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding any questions on appropriate use of these devices."







