Special to the PRESS
Cameron County Sheriff’s Deputies took a man into custody, accused of violating the protected airspace over the SpaceX Starbase facility in Boca Chica.
According to the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), on July 20, 2024, Cameron County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the SpaceX Launch Pad located by the entrance to Boca Chica Beach on Hwy 4 in Cameron County in reference to a subject flying a drone over SpaceX property.
According to a CCSO report, sheriff’s deputies then made contact with SpaceX security personnel who stated that they had received an alert of an unauthorized drone flying over the launch pad area, which is considered critical infrastructure as per the Texas Government Code.
Sheriff’s deputies then made contact with the alleged operator of the drone, who identified himself as Reynold Daniel Chavez. Chavez said that he was from out of town, and that he was flying his drone, “To see the rockets,” the CCSO report reads.
Chavez was advised by the deputies that he was flying his drone in a restricted area, to which Chavez said he was unaware that the area was restricted, according to the CCSO. SpaceX Security personnel wished to file charges on Chavez for violating Texas Government Code Section 423.0045(d) – Offense: Operation Of Unmanned Aircraft Over Critical Infrastructure Facility.
Chavez was placed under arrest and transported to the Cameron County Carrizales Rucker Detention Center in Olmito for arraignment on said charges, the sheriff’s office report concludes. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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