State Police say the operator of a small radio-controlled hobby drone flying over New York's Capitol last month has been charged with reckless endangerment.
Authorities say 36-year-old Adam Rupeka of Troy asked to get his aircraft back from the roof after it hit a chimney Sept. 17.
Rupeka, who pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two misdemeanors, returns to Albany City Court on Oct. 21.
A call to his lawyer was not immediately returned.
Capt. Robert Patnaude says it's not illegal to fly over the Capitol, but in this case they believe Rupeka acted recklessly and the drone could have damaged the building.
Rupeka posted a Sept. 17 video on the website copblock.org of an investigator initially declining to return the drone while acknowledging not knowing if any crime was committed.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
