Man Arrested for Drone Flight Over California's Vandenberg Base

A foreign man is arrested for flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base, sparking concerns over national defense airspace security. 🌐 #News #SantaBarbaraCountyCA #California #Crime

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA – A man was arrested at San Francisco International Airport after allegedly flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, where sensitive national defense activities take place. The arrest has raised concerns about security at military facilities and the use of drones in restricted airspace.

Drone Detected Over Military Base

The incident occurred on November 30, 2024, when drone detection systems at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County registered an unauthorized flight. The drone had taken off from Ocean Park, a public area near the base, and flew for almost an hour at an altitude of nearly one mile.

Base security personnel responded to the area and made contact with Yinpiao Zhou, 39, and another individual. Upon questioning, they allegedly found Zhou concealing the drone in his jacket.

Local Book Clubs Are RAVING About This New Book!

Investigation Reveals Aerial Photos and Suspicious Activity

Federal agents later executed a search warrant on the drone, revealing aerial photos of Vandenberg Space Force Base, confirming the initial allegations. Further investigation uncovered messages on Zhou’s phone, including a search for “Vandenberg Space Force Base Drone Rules” and a conversation about hacking the drone to increase its flight altitude.

Zhou, a resident of Brentwood, California, had recently returned to the U.S. from China in February. His companion, who had arrived from China just days before, was also questioned by authorities.

Zhou now faces charges for failure to register the drone and violating national defense airspace. If convicted, he could face up to four years in federal prison.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | California | China