BALTIMORE, Md. — A Baltimore man is facing federal felony charges after allegedly flying a drone over M&T Bank Stadium during an NFL Wild Card game on January 11, 2025, prompting a temporary suspension of play, prosecutors announced.
Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, was charged in a federal criminal complaint for violating temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The restricted airspace rule prohibits unauthorized drone flights within a three-nautical-mile radius of major sporting events.
During the game, NFL Security suspended play after detecting an unauthorized drone overhead. Maryland State Police and FBI agents tracked the drone’s movements and later located Suarez, who had already left the scene.
Suarez admitted to purchasing the DJI drone for recreation and work, but authorities said it was not registered, and he lacked a Remote Pilot certificate. Prosecutors allege he flew the drone 400 feet or higher, capturing seven photos of the stadium while thousands of fans were in attendance.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron emphasized the strict enforcement of flight restrictions, stating, “You will be charged and held accountable for any incursion into restricted airspace, including around sports and entertainment venues such as the Super Bowl.”
Authorities warned that individuals who operate drones illegally could face arrest, prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
