A 56-year-old man from the canton of Bern faces a significant fine and the confiscation of his weapons after firing at a police drone during an official flight. The incident, which involved both blank cartridges and an air rifle, occurred while the drone was approximately 45 meters above his property.
Key Takeaways
- A Bern resident fired at a police drone with blank cartridges and an air rifle.
- The drone was unharmed, flying about 45 meters above ground.
- The man also improperly stored a revolver and a pistol.
- He received a fine of 760 Swiss francs and must pay 300 francs in court fees.
- All his weapons have been seized by authorities.
Drone Incident Unfolds Over Bern Property
The event began during a routine police drone operation. The unmanned aerial vehicle was conducting an official flight over a property in the canton of Bern when it became the target of gunfire. A 56-year-old resident started shooting at the drone from his land.
Initial shots were fired using blank cartridges. Following this, the man used an air rifle, aiming at the police drone. Fortunately, the drone remained untouched and sustained no damage during the incident.
Fact Check
- Drone Altitude: The police drone was flying at an approximate height of 45 meters (about 148 feet) above the ground when targeted.
- Weaponry Used: The man first used blank cartridges, then an air rifle.
- Damage Sustained: The drone was not hit and suffered no damage.
Unlicensed Shooting and Improper Weapon Storage
Swiss law strictly regulates the discharge of firearms in publicly accessible areas. Such activities require a special permit, which the accused did not possess. This lack of authorization formed a key part of the charges brought against him.
Following the shooting, police apprehended the man. During their investigation, officers discovered additional weapons in his possession. These included a revolver and a pistol, along with corresponding ammunition.
"The discharge of a firearm in public places without an exceptional permit is a serious offense under Swiss law," stated a legal expert familiar with the case.
Discovery of Additional Weapons
Authorities found the revolver and pistol stored in an unsecured cabinet. This method of storage led to an additional charge: negligent storage of weapons. Swiss regulations mandate secure storage for firearms to prevent unauthorized access.
The discovery highlighted a lapse in responsible weapon ownership. Proper storage is crucial for public safety and is a fundamental requirement for gun owners in Switzerland.
Legal Context for Weapon Ownership in Switzerland
Switzerland has specific laws governing firearms. While gun ownership is relatively common, strict rules apply to their acquisition, possession, and storage. Owners must typically obtain permits and ensure weapons are kept safely, often in locked containers, to prevent accidents or misuse.
Court Ruling and Penalties
The Public Prosecutor's Office of Bern issued a penal order against the 56-year-old man. The order found him guilty of both shooting at the police drone without a permit and the negligent storage of his firearms.
As a result of the proceedings, the man received a fine of 760 Swiss francs. He must also cover the procedural costs, amounting to an additional 300 Swiss francs.
Confiscation of Firearms
A significant part of the penalty involves the permanent confiscation of all seized weapons. This includes the air rifle used in the incident, as well as the revolver and pistol found during the search. These firearms will remain in police custody.
This measure ensures that the individual can no longer pose a similar risk. It also reinforces the message that irresponsible weapon handling carries serious consequences.
Impact on Public Safety and Drone Operations
Incidents involving attacks on police equipment, such as drones, raise concerns about public safety and the operational effectiveness of law enforcement. Drones are increasingly vital tools for various police tasks, including surveillance, search and rescue, and crime scene documentation.
Protecting these assets is essential for police to carry out their duties efficiently and safely. This case underscores the legal ramifications for anyone attempting to interfere with official police operations, whether on the ground or in the air.
- Police Drones: Used for surveillance, search and rescue, and documenting crime scenes.
- Legal Consequences: Interference with official operations carries penalties.
- Public Safety: Ensuring police can operate safely protects the wider community.
The ruling serves as a clear reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding firearm use and weapon storage in Switzerland. Authorities continue to emphasize responsible gun ownership and adherence to all relevant regulations.