WA: Paraglider Shot "at" But HomeOwner Acquitted

[RicInOR]

Pappa Joe Biden's advice worked - fire 2 blasts in the air

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today...who-fired-shots-to-get-paragliders-attention/

The homeowner said he didn't fire "at" the paraglider, did shoot to get their attention


At some point there will be another case involving an unmanned aerial vehicle, or UFO. Sooner rather than later.


"Mercer said Friday the verdict doesn't appear to establish any "zone of privacy" involving airspace above a person's home.

"If any kind of incidents like this happen again, I think calling the sheriff is the right thing to do for both parties," he said. "It's not up to me whether there's a legitimate privacy interest there. I think that's up to the Legislature.""


(now which one of these new smiles = 'get off my lawn')

Read More

 

[PiratePast40]

60 to 80 feet is pretty danged low. Seems to me that with any hobby or activity, you should be aware of the effect it has on others.

 

[FourTeeFive]

And make sure it isn't a government aircraft:

<broken link removed>

<broken link removed>

 

[ZigZagZeke]

It would seem that the homeowner should never have been charged:

RCW 9.41.270
Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm — Unlawful carrying or handling — Penalty — Exceptions.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.

(2) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) above shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) of this section, the person shall lose his or her concealed pistol license, if any. The court shall send notice of the revocation to the department of licensing, and the city, town, or county which issued the license.

(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to or affect the following:

(a) Any act committed by a person while in his or her place of abode or fixed place of business;

(b) Any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to preserve public safety, maintain public order, or to make arrests for offenses, while in the performance of such duty;

(c) Any person acting for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another, or for the purpose of protecting another against the use of such unlawful force by a third person;

(d) Any person making or assisting in making a lawful arrest for the commission of a felony; or

(e) Any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal or state governments.

 

[bellarum]

If there were a bunch of them armed and gliding in formation; I would consider defending my air space

 

[Three Bars]

They are annoying to say the least. I would think a property owner outside of a metropolitan area could make a case of noise pollution

My dad lived on the outskirts of Santa Rosa Ca. A highborn down the road bought one, but after being informed of the unpleasant noise he was making, the para glider flew away from the homes in the area....I'm not sure all of these guys are so accommodating..