Alexis Suarez Flew Drone Over Stadium During Ravens Game

According to officials, a guy from Baltimore who flew a drone over M&T Bank Stadium during a Ravens Wild Card playoff game has entered a guilty plea in federal court and will not be imprisoned.

Stadium at M&T Bank

When Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, launched an unregistered drone over the stadium on January 11 during the NFL playoff game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, he knowingly and intentionally violated national defense airspace.

According to federal prosecutors, Suarez took seven aerial pictures over the crowd, which caused the game to be temporarily halted and prompted a complete security reaction from Maryland State Police, the FBI, and NFL authorities.

Suarez faced up to four years in prison after being charged in April with a number of federal violations, including operating an unregistered drone and flying without an airman’s certificate.

However, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, he was given a $500 fine, 100 hours of community service, and a year of supervised probation after entering a guilty plea to the airspace violation.

“We’re committed to protecting our airways above mass gatherings because public safety is our top priority,” stated US Attorney Kelly Hayes.

It is unacceptable that Suarez flew his drone into the area while being aware that M&T Bank Stadium was subject to a temporary flight restriction.

During the game, the stadium was surrounded by a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and a No Drone Zone set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

That airspace was violated by Suarez’s unregistered drone, which was operated without a remote pilot certificate.

Additionally, FBI Special Agent Amanda Koldjeski stated that taking a picture is not worth the chance of injuring any players, fans, or staff. Flying a drone over a major sporting event is not only hazardous and careless, but it is also against the law.

Suarez left the area before police arrived, according to investigators, but state troopers and FBI agents were able to follow the drone’s flight path and locate his house.

According to officials, every NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I, NASCAR, and other large sporting events must have a TFR, which must be three nautical miles around the stadium from an hour before to an hour after the event.

It is risky and dangerous to fly drones illegally, especially over packed athletic events, according to DOT OIG Special Agent Greg Thompson. The guilty plea entered today demonstrates our dedication to averting future catastrophes.

After operating a drone during a significant NFL playoff game in Baltimore, Suarez became the second person in two years to be charged with federal offenses.

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