On August 19, 2025, 49-year-old Jason Brooks was taken into custody in Lutz, a community in Hillsborough County, Florida, after a drone loaded with drugs crashed into a private residence. Brooks then made the bold decision to personally attempt to retrieve the device. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) confirmed the drone was carrying several bags of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The incident occurred on Hannah Michaela Lane, in the 18500 block, according to the HCSO report. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the homeowners alerted authorities about an unknown man at their doorstep, who was requesting to reclaim a drone he had crashed on their property. Earlier, the residents had heard a loud thud against the rear of the house and discovered the drone in their backyard. Noticing a flashing light from the device, they brought it inside to investigate.
The Unusual Cargo
Sheriff Chad Chronister revealed that the drone was tied to a brown fabric bag: "Inside this bag were four smaller bags—three containing powdered fentanyl and one with methamphetamine. Each bag had a name written on it, and the methamphetamine bag was labeled 'Share'."
Police Intervention
Responding to the residents' call, HCSO officers arrived at the scene and found Brooks standing at the entrance, holding the drone's remote control. Body camera footage released by the sheriff captured the arrest and the recovery of the labeled bags, including one marked 'share this'.
Brooks claimed he did not trespass into the backyard but had come to retrieve his drone. In the footage, an officer is heard saying, "You know, we can't just go into people's backyards," to which Brooks replied, "I know, that's why I called."
Sheriff Chronister described Brooks's behavior as evasive: "Standing there with the remote, acting as if nothing happened, he tried to play innocent. 'I was flying my drone. I live a mile away and think it crashed here, so I'm just retrieving it from the backyard,' he claimed. It was clear he was attempting to avoid notice."
Facing Charges
According to HCSO's statement and detention center records, Brooks was held without bail due to an active warrant in Pasco County for failing to appear in court on a probation violation charge. The charges against him include:
- Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver (x2)
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Operating an unregistered vehicle
- Placing an unassigned tag
- Driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license
- Arrest warrant for failure to appear (Pasco County)
The homeowners handed over the drone and drugs to the officers. Sheriff Chronister confirmed that investigators are examining the drone’s data to establish its flight path and determine if it was part of a broader distribution network.
Judicial Proceedings
Brooks appeared remotely before a Hillsborough County judge the following Wednesday. Although bail was set for local charges, he remains in custody due to the outstanding warrant in the neighboring county.
The incident unfolded in Lutz, an unincorporated area located roughly 15 miles north of Tampa. According to reports from the Miami Herald, Brooks resides in the same vicinity.
Drone Incident in Florida: Key Questions Answered
What substances were found on the drone?
The drone was carrying bags of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Where did the drone crash occur?
The crash happened in Lutz, Florida, within the 18500 block of Hannah Michaela Lane.
What charges is Jason Brooks facing?
Brooks faces charges including possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, operating an unregistered vehicle, and other related offenses.