What was meant to be an electrifying NFL Wild Card showdown at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore turned into a legal nightmare for one drone pilot. A Maryland man, Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, is now facing federal felony charges after allegedly flying a drone over the packed stadium during the January 11, 2025, playoff game.
The game had to be temporarily suspended as authorities tracked the drone’s movements, considering it a potential security threat. Now, Suarez is looking at up to three years in federal prison for breaking multiple aviation laws.
Flying drones over crowded stadiums is a big no-no, and for good reason. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces strict temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) during major sporting events — including NFL, MLB, and NASCAR races — to prevent any unauthorized aircraft, including drones, from entering the airspace.
Despite these well-known rules, Suarez allegedly flew his DJI drone roughly 400 feet over the stadium while thousands of fans were watching the game. He even snapped seven photos from above, an act that caught the attention of both NFL security and federal law enforcement.
The FBI, Maryland State Police, and the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General swiftly responded to the airborne threat. Authorities tracked the drone to its landing spot in Baltimore, but by the time they arrived, Suarez had already left. However, it didn’t take long for law enforcement to track him down.
When questioned, Suarez claimed he had purchased the drone for recreation and work — but there was one big problem:
- The drone was unregistered
- Suarez did not have a Remote Pilot certificate
- He knowingly violated a TFR in place for the game
Because of these violations, Suarez has been slapped with serious federal charges, including operating an unregistered drone and violating national defense airspace. If convicted, he could spend up to three years in federal prison.
Zero tolerance for illegal drone flights
Government officials aren’t playing around when it comes to drones in restricted airspace.
“We are very serious about temporary flight restrictions,” says US Attorney Erek L. Barron. “You will be charged and held accountable for any incursion into restricted airspace, including around sports and entertainment venues such as the Super Bowl.”
The FAA’s No Drone Zone policy is clear: Anyone caught flying a drone in prohibited airspace could face arrest, fines, and even jail time. Authorities warn that they will be actively monitoring the airways for illegal drones and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity.
At first glance, flying a drone over a football game might not seem like a major crime. But the risks are real:
- Security threats: Unauthorized drones could be used for surveillance, smuggling, or even dangerous attacks.
- Safety hazards: A drone malfunction could cause it to crash into the crowd or onto the field, endangering thousands.
- Game disruptions: The NFL takes drone threats seriously, and in Suarez’s case, the game had to be temporarily halted for safety reasons.
Suarez is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the charges he’s facing carry serious consequences. A judge will determine his sentencing based on federal guidelines. His initial court appearance is expected later this month.
For now, this case serves as a stark warning to drone pilots everywhere: Know the rules before you fly — or risk facing federal prosecution. As William J. DelBagno, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, pits it: “If you are going to fly a drone, you are responsible for learning all the laws and requirements to responsibly operate it. Failing to do so will not excuse you from the consequences of breaking the law.”
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