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Wallsend man charged after drone allegedly intruded on rescue helicopter
A 46-year-old man from Wallsend has been charged following an alleged drone intrusion into the airspace of a rescue helicopter. The incident occurred around 1:00 am on Sunday, August 23, near Charlestown, where the helicopter was flying at approximately 1,000 feet while responding to a medical emergency.
Police reported that the helicopter did not need to take evasive action and was able to continue its mission without injury to the crew. Following an investigation involving Lake Macquarie police and bomb squad specialists, officers raided a residence on Newcastle Road in Wallsend. During the search, police seized a drone and approximately one kilogram of cannabis.
The individual faces seven allegations, including acting to threaten the safety of an aircraft or persons on board, supplying a prohibited drug, and several violations related to the operation of an unmanned aircraft. He has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Newcastle Local Court next month.
Entities
Charlestown · Lake Macquarie Police · Newcastle Local Court · Wallsend · Waratah Police Station
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lake Macquarie police and bomb squad officers launched an investigation into a drone intrusion. www.dungogchronicle.com.au · www.newcastleherald.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The rescue helicopter was on an urgent mission and did not need to take evasive action. www.dungogchronicle.com.au · www.newcastleherald.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police seized a drone and approximately one kilogram of cannabis during a raid on a Wallsend home. www.dungogchronicle.com.au · www.newcastleherald.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] A drone entered the airspace of a rescue helicopter at approximately 1,000 feet over Charlestown at 1:00 am on Sunday, August 23. www.dungogchronicle.com.au · www.newcastleherald.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] No air crew members were injured during the incident. www.dungogchronicle.com.au · www.newcastleherald.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] A 46-year-old man from Wallsend was charged with seven allegations, including threatening aircraft safety and supplying a prohibited drug. www.dungogchronicle.com.au · www.newcastleherald.com.au