Man on motorized glider flies near Castaic prison, chase ensues

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Man on motorized glider flies over Castaic prison, chase ensues
A man flying a motorized glider was detained Monday after reportedly dropping contraband while flying over Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

CASTAIC, Calif. -- Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies briefly pursued Monday a man flying a motorized paraglider, who they initially believed may have dropped contraband over Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

The 67-year-old Northridge resident flew near the prison complex around 5:30 p.m. and was quickly pursued by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopter for failing to yield.

By 6:05 p.m., the man had landed at Tapia Canyon Paintball Center and authorities detained him without incident.

The man appeared to have made a mistake and didn't realize he flew over the prison. He told authorities that he didn't hear the helicopter order him to land because of a loud motor on the paraglider.

He was later released without a citation, sheriff's officials said

An investigation was ongoing.

PHOTOS: Motorized glider chase over Castaic