Connecticut 18-year-old faces scrutiny from FAA as well as local police after posting 14-second clip online that shows drone firing shots

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

An 18-year-old Connecticut man may be in trouble with federal aviation officials after posting a video online that shows shots being fired from a drone that had been rigged with a handgun.

The FAA said Tuesday it is investigating whether Austin Haughwout of Clinton violated its regulations, which prohibit the careless or reckless operation of a model aircraft.

Haughwout’s father told WFSB-TV last week that his son created the drone with the help of a Central Connecticut State University professor. The 14-second video shows a four-propeller drone with a semiautomatic handgun strapped on top hovering as it fires four shots in a wooded area.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Austin Haughwout posted a video showing a drone carrying a handgun. Source: YouTube

The FAA said it is working with Clinton police, who are also investigating. Haughwout did not immediately return telephone messages from the Associated Press seeking comment.

Haghwout made news last year when police charged a woman with assault after she confronted him about flying a drone at a state beach.