A drone pilot has been threatened by a man brandishing a gun while working in Cirencester.
The incident took place in Shepherds Way at around 9.30am yesterday (Monday, 22 August).
The fully-registered and licenced drone pilot was flying the aircraft in the area when he was approached by a man armed with a firearm.
The suspect claimed he’d been trying to shoot the drone using the weapon – and at this point, it was not clear whether it was a live firearm or a replica.
The 33-year-old man, from Swindon, told the angry resident that he was filming an unrelated property for an estate agent, but the suspect continued to act aggressively.
When he prodded his victim with the weapon, he took the opportunity to disarm him – grabbing the gun and kicking it away. The suspect then fled the scene in his car.
Armed officers were deployed and arrested a 71-year-old man from Cirencester when he returned to the location. He was held on suspicion of possessing a firearm with the intent to cause fear.
The officers also seized an air rifle following the incident.
Gloucestershire Police say the suspect has since been released under investigation.
