THUNDER BAY – April 21, 2025 – A Thunder Bay man is facing charges after launching a firework at a police-operated drone during an active missing person investigation on Sunday, April 20.
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) had deployed a drone as part of the search effort when a resident, concerned about the device, approached officers on the ground. Police advised the individual that the drone was officially operated and part of an ongoing emergency operation.
Despite this explanation, the man set up and fired a firework directly at the drone, which was actively flying above a residential neighbourhood.
The drone operator executed evasive maneuvers, narrowly avoiding a crash and preventing damage to property or injury to bystanders.
👮 Charges Laid
The individual was promptly identified and taken into custody.
A 54-year-old Thunder Bay man now faces the following charges:
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Obstruct Police
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Damage to Aircraft
He has since been released with an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
✈️ Drones Are Aircraft Under Canadian Law
The TBPS reminds the public that under Canadian aviation regulations, drones are legally classified as aircraft, and interfering with one is a serious criminal offence. Their use is particularly critical during time-sensitive operations like missing person searches, where aerial surveillance can help locate vulnerable individuals more efficiently.
“While we understand that some residents may be uncomfortable with drone activity, there is absolutely no circumstance under which attempting to interfere with a police drone is acceptable,” said a TBPS spokesperson.
📡 Privacy and Public Safety
There are no laws prohibiting drones from flying over private property during exigent circumstances, such as missing persons or suspect searches. The TBPS emphasizes that drones are typically observing from a distance, and efforts are made to minimize intrusion into private spaces.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role drones play in modern policing, from search and rescue operations to evidence gathering. Misuse or interference not only puts lives at risk but also hampers law enforcement effectiveness.
Drone Rules in Canada
In Canada, flying a privately owned drone is regulated by Transport Canada, and operators must follow specific rules depending on the weight of the drone and the purpose of the flight.
Here’s a breakdown of the key regulations as of 2025:
🚁 Drone Classification (by weight)
| Drone Weight | Category | Regulation Level |
|---|---|---|
| Under 250 grams | Micro drone | Few restrictions |
| 250g – 25 kg | Small drone | Regulated heavily |
| Over 25 kg | Large drone | Special approval needed |
Most consumer drones (DJI, Autel, etc.) fall into the 250g to 25kg range and are considered “small drones”.
For micro drones, the regulations can be summed up simply as “Don’t do anything stupid”.
✅ Requirements for Flying Drones (250g to 25kg)
1. Pilot Certification
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You must be certified to fly a drone weighing 250g or more.
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Basic Operations Certificate: Required for flying in uncontrolled airspace.
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Advanced Operations Certificate: Required for flying in controlled airspace, near people, or near airports.
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2. Drone Registration
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Drones must be registered with Transport Canada.
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The drone’s registration number must be clearly visible on the aircraft.
3. Where You Can Fly
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At least 30 metres horizontally from bystanders (for basic operations).
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No flying over people unless you have advanced certification and a compliant drone.
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Stay at least 5.6 km away from airports and 1.9 km from heliports (unless you have advanced certification and clearance).
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No flying near emergency operations, like fires or crime scenes.
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Respect privacy laws—don’t fly over private property without consent.
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Stay below 122 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
4. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
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You must keep the drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times.
5. No Flying at Night (Without Advanced Certification)
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Night operations require advanced certification and proper lighting on the drone.
⚠️ Illegal or Dangerous Flying Can Lead to Penalties
Violating Canada’s drone laws can lead to fines up to $25,000, drone confiscation, or even criminal charges, especially if public safety is at risk (e.g., interfering with emergency operations or aircraft).
📱 Useful Resources
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Drone Safety Website: https://www.tc.gc.ca/drone
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NAV Drone App: For checking airspace restrictions and flight planning.
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Drone Management Portal: For registration and certification – https://portal.tc.gc.ca