Florida Man Arrested for Shooting Down Walmart Delivery Drone

Lake County, FL - A 72-year-old Lake County man has been arrested after he allegedly shot down a Walmart delivery drone.

Authorities say the suspect, identified as Dennis Winn, caused approximately $2,500 in damages.

The incident occurred as a DroneUp crew, partnered with Walmart for drone delivery services, was conducting a mock delivery in The Overlook at Lake Louisa neighborhood.

The drone, initially at 230 feet, had descended to 75 feet for the delivery when it was reportedly hit by gunfire.

The crew quickly returned the damaged drone to their base at Walmart on U.S. 27 and Johns Lake Road, where law enforcement was summoned around 6 p.m.

Upon investigating, deputies located Winn at his home on Lemay Drive.

He admitted to using a 9mm handgun to shoot the drone, which he claimed was flying over his residence while he was maintaining his pool pump.

He expressed concerns about past drone encounters he perceived as invasive.

While awaiting police transport, Winn informed a neighbor of his impending arrest for the drone incident.

Winn was charged with discharging a firearm in public, criminal mischief, and shooting a missile into a dwelling.

Winn was detained Wednesday evening and subsequently released Thursday afternoon after posting a $13,500 bond.

The damage to the drone not only involves repair costs but also impacts Walmart's drone delivery operations, which were introduced in Florida last year to pioneer drone technology usage in commerce.