On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office served an arrest warrant on Ned Reese, a 64-year-old resident of Orange, Texas. Mr. Reese was taken into custody and is charged with Interference with a Public Servant, a Class B Misdemeanor.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on February 9, 2025, when Mr. Reese was accused of operating a drone in close proximity to an Air Rescue helicopter that was attempting to transport a patient in need of urgent medical care. The unauthorized drone activity caused a temporary delay in the helicopter’s takeoff, posing a significant risk to emergency operations and patient safety.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office encourages all residents to be aware of local and federal regulations regarding drone use, especially near emergency scenes. Public safety is our highest priority, and we appreciate the community’s cooperation in helping ensure safe conditions for first responders and those in need of medical assistance.
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