Young Mans Firing Of Drone Sparks Chaos In Northern Michigan Town

A tense standoff in northern Michigan ended with a man allegedly shooting down a police drone, sparking concerns about the role of technology in law enforcement. Alexander J. Bessey, 21, is facing multiple felony charges after firing a shotgun at a DJI Air 3 drone during a confrontation with Michigan State Police and Oscoda Township officers on February 11.

Bessey had been firing multiple weapons outside his property and threatened to kill himself and anyone who tried to intervene. The situation escalated when police deployed the Air 3 drone to assess the situation from above, but Bessey pointed a shotgun at it and blasted it out of the sky. The drone captured footage of Bessey firing shots at random before he turned his weapon on it.

The Air 3 is a high-tech drone that has gained popularity among both hobbyists and professionals due to its impressive flight capabilities and long battery life. However, its use in law enforcement has raised concerns about its potential misuse. In this case, the police used the drone to monitor Bessey’s actions safely from a distance, highlighting the importance of responsible technology deployment.

Bessey’s father had initially alerted police after receiving disturbing messages from his son, who allegedly told him, “You’re not going anywhere,” after his parents attempted to leave the area. Concerned for their safety, they barricaded themselves inside their home while law enforcement moved in. As the standoff continued, Bessey fired into the woods and even across a public roadway, causing officers to exercise extreme caution.

After several hours of negotiations, Bessey finally walked out onto the road, unarmed, with his hands raised in surrender. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious destruction of police property, felony firearm possession, and reckless discharge of a firearm. If convicted, he could spend years behind bars.

Following his arrest, officers executed a search warrant at his home and seized multiple firearms, including two .22-caliber rifles, two shotguns, and an RF-15 .223-caliber rifle. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for responsible technology deployment in law enforcement and the importance of addressing mental health concerns.

Bessey remains in custody, awaiting his preliminary court hearing on March 4, as authorities work to understand what led to this shocking incident.