CHARLOTTE -- A CMPD helicopter had to take evasive action Thursday to avoid a mid-air collision with an illegal drone.
Police say the chopper was searching for a suspect near Central Avenue and Sharon Amity just after 12:30 on Thursday morning.
Officers on the ground alerted the pilot that a man had launched a drone into the chopper's flight path and altitude. The chopper immediately moved to avoid a collision.
Police say 26-year-old Christopher Baucom at first refused to land the drone but eventually complied.
Investigators say his drone was large enough to require FAA registration and was flying at night, which is illegal.
Baucom is charged with interference with manned aircraft by unmanned aircraft system and with resisting arrest.