Florida man who shot Walmart drone ordered to pay $5,000, sparks viral support from netizens: ‘New Jersey could use this guy right now

A Florida man, 72-year-old Dennis Winn, has been ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to Walmart after he shot down one of the company’s drones in June, claiming it was surveilling him.

The incident has sparked a viral reaction online, with some netizens suggesting that New Jersey could benefit from having a man like Winn on their side amid growing concerns over mysterious drone sightings in the state.

Winn, from Lake County, Florida, was charged with multiple offenses after he fired at the drone, which was flying over his home in the Overlook at Lake Louisa neighborhood on June 26.

The drone was part of a mock delivery operation conducted by Walmart’s drone delivery service. According to reports, after the drone was shot, the workers operating it fled the scene and returned the drone to Walmart.

When Lake County deputies arrived to interview Winn, he explained that he believed the drone was surveilling him, citing past experiences with similar incidents. He then retrieved a 9mm pistol from his gun safe and fired at the drone. The authorities noted that children were playing nearby at the time of the shooting.

actions led to charges of discharging a firearm in public, criminal mischief, and shooting or throwing deadly missiles at a dwelling, vessel, or vehicle. During his arrest, Winn seemed surprised when informed that the drone belonged to Walmart, responding with “Really?” The officer also informed him that the drone likely cost tens of thousands of dollars, though Winn had not reported previous drone concerns to the police, only to his homeowners’ association (HOA).