A man in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, was arrested after allegedly shooting at a drone being used by emergency management personnel to search for a missing juvenile last month.
Details of the Incident
On April 13, 2026, deputies from the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, along with emergency management personnel, were actively searching for a missing juvenile who was believed to be in danger.
The search took place near South 353rd East Avenue and East 11th Street South in Wagoner County. During the operation, deputies reported hearing a gunshot near their location.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that the shot was fired at an unmanned aerial system (UAS) — a drone being used by emergency management personnel to aid in the search. The drone operator quickly identified the shot’s origin as a nearby home in Coweta.
Suspect and Confession
Deputies responded to the location and made contact with the suspect, later identified as Drucel Hall.
According to the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, Hall admitted to firing a shotgun at the drone. Hall claimed that he believed he had prior authorization to shoot at drones.
However, deputies informed him that shooting at any aircraft, including drones, is a criminal offense under state and federal law.
Charges and Arrest
Hall was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and a warrant for his arrest was issued on April 24.
He was taken into custody and booked into the Wagoner County Detention Center on Tuesday. His bond was set at $1,000, and Hall was released after posting bond.
Sheriff’s Statement
Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliot shared a statement regarding the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the potential dangers posed by firing at aerial systems, especially during critical emergency response operations.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences and public safety risks associated with reckless actions, particularly when they interfere with emergency operations aimed at saving lives.
Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliot shared the following statement:
“Our deputies and emergency management personnel were actively working to locate a missing juvenile believed to be in danger when this reckless act occurred. Firing at a drone that is clearly being used in an emergency response is not only dangerous, it’s a serious criminal offense. These tools are critical to helping us locate missing persons quickly and safely. Actions like this put lives at risk and will not be tolerated.”
