AV News: Drone Pilots Protest Dakota Access Pipeline

A protest in North Dakota has made headlines across the United States for weeks. Now, it's the use of a drone that's adding another twist to the story. That's Dean Dedman Jr., who says police shot at his drone, while flying over the protests, just west of Bismarck.

A local sheriff confirmed the shooting to CNN, saying the drone was flying above officers, and that it flew at a police helicopter. The sheriff says both violate FAA rules. In the helicopter incident, he says the passengers feared for their lives.

The incident happened at a protest over the Dakota Access Pipeline. Once finished, the pipeline's developer says it would move 470 thousand barrels of oil each day from North Dakota oil fields to an Illinois refinery. Several Native American tribes oppose it, saying the project damages sacred lands along with the environment.

Dean, who was flying the shot-at drone, says they were using the drone to document the protest. More than 100 protesters were arrested. According to CNN, both sides have their own take on what's happening. Police say protesters are blocking roads and attaching themselves to pipeline construction equipment. Protesters say police are intimidating them through strip-searches, and by using riot gear.

Police say they used non-lethal ammunition to damage the drone. The pilot then landed it. Two people who flew drones at other times during the weeks-long protest face charges.

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