News Release

Visitor Cited for Illegal Drone Operation in Anacostia Park

Date: June 27, 2016

WashingtonAt 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 the United States Park Police helicopter, Eagle 1, observed an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or drone, in the airspace over North Field in Anacostia Park, Washington, DC. Flying any kind of UAS or drone anywhere in Washington, D.C. or in national parks is illegal.

 Officers made contact with the operator and ordered him to land the drone. The officer issued Howard Solomon III, 50, of Washington, DC, a citation for operation of an unmanned aircraft. A Yuneeq Typhoon Q500+ Quadcopter and controller were confiscated from Solomon III and kept as evidence.

 Federal law prohibits flying all unmanned aircraft, more commonly called drones, in the heavily regulated Flight Restricted Zone around Washington, D.C., including from private property inside the FRZ. Additionally, launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircrafts is prohibited in all areas administered by the National Park Service. Know Before You Fly! To learn more visit https://www.faa.gov/uas/no_drone_zone/dc/.

 This is the 2nd reported incident involving illegal operation of an unmanned aircraft in a Great Washington area National Park in 2016, and the 29th since 2013. 

 



Last updated: June 27, 2016