Florida Man Arrested for Allegedly Shooting Walmart Delivery Drone
A 72-year-old man, identified as Dennis Winn, was apprehended in Lake County on Wednesday for allegedly causing extensive damage to a drone that was shot down during a delivery attempt for retail giant Walmart. The charges brought against Winn include shooting or throwing a deadly missile into dwellings, vessels, or vehicles, criminal mischief exceeding $1,000, and discharging a firearm in a public or residential area, as indicated by official records.
In 2022, Walmart unveiled its plans to introduce drone deliveries in the state of Florida through DroneUp, a commercial drone services company based in Virginia that had previously partnered with the supermarket chain in 2021. Walmart issued a press release expressing optimism that this initiative would pave the way for the advancement of drone technology and encourage other companies to explore its advantages.
According to the arrest affidavit filed against Winn, a team from DroneUp was conducting a demonstration in The Overlook at Lake Lousia neighborhood when the drone was targeted. The crew, assigned to showcase a proof-of-concept mock delivery at the site, observed the drone descending from an altitude of approximately 230 feet to around 75 feet after hearing what they believed to be a gunshot. Following the discovery of a bullet hole in the drone’s payload system, the crew hurried back to the nearby Walmart on U.S. 27 and Johns Lake Road, prompting a response from law enforcement around 6 p.m.
Upon making contact with Winn at his residence on Lemay Drive, a deputy inquired about any involvement with a drone, to which Winn admitted to using a 9mm handgun to shoot down the aircraft, claiming it had flown over his property while he was engaged in pool maintenance. Allegedly citing previous encounters with drones that he perceived as surveillance devices, Winn announced to a neighbor that he was facing arrest for the drone shooting while awaiting transportation.
The total cost of damage inflicted on the drone amounted to $2,500, with additional repercussions for the crew’s operational activities due to the drone’s incapacitation. Subsequently, Winn was taken into custody later that day and subsequently released the following afternoon upon posting a $13,500 bond, according to available records. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with the misuse of firearms in response to technological advancements, underscoring the importance of responsible behavior in the face of evolving innovations.
