New York Drone Arrest: 2 Held After Close Call With Police Chopper

In this 2011 file photo, a New York Police Department helicopter hovers over the East River in New York City.

By    |   Tuesday, 08 July 2014 08:39 AM EDT ET

Two people were arrested Monday after flying a drone within 800 feet of a New York City police helicopter over the George Washington Bridge.

Police said the helicopter pilot spotted the small aircraft near the bridge at 12:21 a.m. Monday. The drone continued to circle the bridge, forcing the chopper to change course to avoid it.

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The pilot notified the 34th Precinct after observing the drone land on a parked vehicle.

When police arrived, they recovered two drones with remote controls, reported The Associated Press.

Police arrested Wilkins Mendoza and Remy Castro, both of Manhattan, on reckless endangerment charges.

The Federal Aviation Administration hasn't set standards for certifying the safety of civilian drones, and efforts to provide them regular access to U.S. skies face significant hurdles.

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Two people were arrested Monday after flying a drone within 800 feet of a New York City police helicopter over the George Washington Bridge.
new york, drone, arrest, police, chopper
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2014-39-08
Tuesday, 08 July 2014 08:39 AM
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