Crime & Safety
Maryland State Police Warn Drone Pilots After Interference
Pikesville, MD – The Maryland Department of State Police is issuing a formal reminder to unmanned aircraft system UAS operators regarding the critical…
By Cole Barrett · 2026-09-21T18:30:20.903Z
Pikesville, MD – The Maryland Department of State Police is issuing a formal reminder to unmanned aircraft system UAS operators regarding the critical importance of safe flying protocols. The advisory follows a series of recent incidents where drones interfered with Maryland State Police Aviation Command operations.
According to the Maryland Department of State Police, troopers were assisting the Baltimore City Police at a sporting event at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15 when an unauthorized drone was identified near the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center helipad. A state police helicopter, Trooper 1, was actively departing on a medevac mission when the UAS began a descent in the same area.
The operator was later located and found to be unlicensed; the flight had occurred within a temporary flight restriction zone. A second concerning incident occurred on August 31, when Trooper 1 and Trooper 3 were responding to a fatal crash on I 70 in Howard County.
During the mission, a trooper observed an unidentified drone flying over the scene. The operator was never identified.
State officials are stressing that helicopter pilots often have difficulty detecting drones at night, posing a severe risk of collision. Regulations dictate that UAS operators must yield the right of way to all other aircraft and are prohibited from passing over, under, or ahead of other aircraft without sufficient clearance.
Operators are encouraged to utilize FAA approved Before You Fly applications to check for flight restrictions. Professional and recreational drone pilots are required to comply with all federal and state authorizations.
Additionally, those flying for recreational purposes must obtain a Recreational UAS Safety Test certification. Further details regarding safety certifications and restricted airspace near major stadiums can be found on official state and federal aviation resources.
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