MD Man Pleads Guilty To Flying Drone Over Ravens Playoff Game

BALTIMORE, MD — A Baltimore man pleaded guilty to federal charges this week after authorities said he flew a drone over M&T Bank Stadium during the NFL wild card game on Jan. 11 when the Ravens hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, pleaded guilty to knowingly and willfully violating national defense airspace after he flew a drone 400 feet over the stadium. The drone flight led officials to temporarily halt the game, which the Ravens won 28-14.

After accepting the plea, a judge sentenced Suarez to one year of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service and a $500 fine, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced.

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“Federal laws regulating the use of drones exist for a reason: to protect people and keep our skies safe,” said Greg Thompson, special agent in charge at the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Flying drones illegally — especially at overcrowded sporting events — is reckless and dangerous."

Maryland State Police troopers and FBI special agents tracked the drone's path over the stadium and responded to the area where it landed in Baltimore. While Suarez had already left the scene, officials were able to track his whereabouts.

According to the affidavit filed by prosecutors, the Federal Aviation Administration had put in place a temporary flight restriction for M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore during the game, which prohibited the flight of any drones over the site.

This is a standard practice for stadiums or sporting venues where a regular or postseason game is occurring. The ban goes into effect one hour before the scheduled start time and lasts until one hour after the end of major sporting events.

Suarez said he purchased the drone for recreation and also said he used it for work. The drone was not registered, and a news release said he did not possess a remote pilot certificate to operate it.

According to the affidavit, while in flight, Suarez captured about seven photos of the stadium while the game was going on and thousands of people were below his flight path.

There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding UAS/drone use anywhere within a no-drone zone established by the FAA, federal prosecutors said. Anyone who violates the policy faces a risk of arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.

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