After reading all the comments in this thread, I have several questions...
1) were you arrested? Did you ask the reason for the encounter if not arrested?
2) were you placed in restraints and/or transported to the PD in your vehicle or the patrol unit?
3) did the deliver an apology or explain why you were detained or asked to go to the PD?
Without knowing exactly what was said or happened, it is hard to assume anything.
However, if I was in the same position and knowing NO laws had been broken after being informed I was going to be arrested w/o reason or a charge, I would immediately request a SUPERVISOR be summoned to the scene to explain the violation of my civil rights.
I would the contact a constitutional lawyer with the videotape of the incident after the fireworks have settled.
Just saying...
I was placed under arrest when I arrived at the police station, that is when they removed my service animal from me. During the boooking process, the sgt came over and had words with the arresting officer and they cut me loose but I kep the ticket and the paperwork they give when they arrest you. Even though they released me, I am still goning to the court connected to that police station so that I can state my case. I was placed in restraints after I entered the police station, at this time they put my dog in another room.
We do have video of the entire thing.
I saw a cool place to fly. Public property flying as a hobbiest. The police showed up. Asked me to stop and talk to them. I explained that leaving an aircraft in the air without being able to see it was against the law and I asked to please allow me to land it before we continued.
I landed.
I was told that the City of Chandler does not allow drones. I then explained to him that the governer of Arizona signed a bill that says towns and cities can not create their own drone laws.
I was then told to put my equipment up and was asked to follow them to chandler PD.
I arrived, I went in the front door, they took me in the back and booked me. I was in custody for maybe 20 minutes before I heard a very loud voice coming down the hall. He was angry, I could hear him. He opened the door and said you are free to go. We made a mistake. We would like the ticket back. I refused and told him that this needs to go to court and needs be brought up at the next city council meeting. I left with all of my ****, they tried to take the sd card out of the mavic and go pro but were unable to.
I have already contacted my attorney, yes, I have an attorney on retainer for this kind of **** because flying drones is how I make money. He said to meet up with him tomorrow and we will go to the court together, talk to proscutors and the judge together and then the police officer's supervisor. I have already dropped off the sd cards at the attorneys office mail slot.
I broke no laws. My attorney is an aviation attorney. I will fill you guys in monday afternoon.
