A Florida man’s paranoia about drones has landed him in hot water. Dennis Winn, 72, has been ordered to pay $5,000 to Walmart after shooting down one of their drones during a “mock delivery” in Lake County, First Coast News reports. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between privacy concerns and modern technology.
Back in June, Walmart employees were flying the drone over a neighborhood near their store when it met its untimely demise. After hearing shots, the employees returned to the store with the damaged drone, prompting a police response. Winn, identified as the shooter, explained his actions to officers, citing previous unsettling encounters with drones he believed were surveilling him.
While fixing his pool pump, Winn spotted the drone and, convinced of its sinister intent, retrieved a 9mm handgun from his gun safe. In a neighborhood where children were reportedly playing nearby, he opened fire, ultimately destroying the drone.
Authorities charged Winn with multiple offenses, including discharging a firearm in public, criminal mischief causing significant damage, and shooting into a vehicle or dwelling. When informed by police that the “intruder” was merely a Walmart drone, Winn was reportedly stunned, replying, “Really?”
Adding insult to injury, officers noted the drone’s value could reach “tens of thousands of dollars.” Winn had never reported his previous drone sightings to the police but mentioned contacting his Homeowner’s Association.
On November 27, Winn avoided jail time by agreeing to a restitution order. Though not a guilty plea, the order acknowledged his responsibility. Winn promptly paid the $5,000 fine and now faces a six-month probationary period, during which any legal trouble could result in harsher consequences.
For now, Winn can only hope the “Mothership” doesn’t send reinforcements to his backyard. Until then, he might want to reconsider his approach to unexpected aerial visitors.