A Baltimore resident who flew a drone over M&T Bank Stadium during a high-stakes NFL playoff game earlier this year has been sentenced for violating federal airspace restrictions. The incident led to the temporary suspension of the January 11 Wild Card game and triggered a federal investigation.
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Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, pleaded guilty this week to knowingly flying a drone in restricted airspace over the stadium, which had been designated a “No Drone Zone” by the Federal Aviation Administration during the Ravens’ playoff matchup. As a result, he will serve one year of supervised probation, complete 100 hours of community service, and pay a $500 fine. Authorities noted that Suarez was neither licensed to fly drones nor registered as an operator, and had ignored the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place at the time.
TFRs are standard during major sporting events and prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within a three-nautical-mile radius around the venue. These rules apply to all drone users, including recreational flyers. Despite the restrictions, Suarez flew an unregistered drone directly over thousands of spectators, capturing several aerial images before leaving the scene.
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The drone’s unauthorized presence forced NFL security to pause the game as a safety precaution. Law enforcement, including the FBI and Maryland State Police, tracked the drone’s flight path and later located Suarez using investigative leads. Officials stressed that such breaches not only risk public safety but are criminal offenses under federal law.
This case highlights the strict enforcement of drone regulations around mass gatherings, with prosecutors warning that any future violations will be met with arrest and prosecution. Federal authorities urge drone users to review FAA guidelines before operating devices, particularly near high-profile events.
Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland press release
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