A Brentwood resident, Yinpiao Zhou, has been arrested on charges related to flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base. The 39-year-old is accused of failing to register an aircraft and violating national defense airspace regulations.

Zhou was apprehended at San Francisco International Airport before boarding a flight to China. He is set to appear in the United States District Court in San Francisco tomorrow.

According to an affidavit filed on December 8, drone detection systems identified a drone flying over Vandenberg Space Force Base on November 30, 2024. The drone reportedly flew for nearly an hour, reaching an altitude of almost one mile above ground level, originating from Ocean Park near the base. Security personnel confronted Zhou and another individual at the park and discovered Zhou had concealed the drone used in the incident.

A federal search warrant allowed agents to examine Zhou's drone, revealing aerial photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base. Additionally, a search of his cellphone showed he had previously searched for "Vandenberg Space Force Base Drone Rules" and discussed modifying his drone for higher altitude flights.

Zhou is identified as a Chinese citizen with lawful permanent residency in the United States. He returned from China earlier this year in February 2024. The person accompanying him entered the U.S. from China on November 26.

It should be noted that a complaint contains allegations which have not yet been proven in court; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If found guilty, Zhou could face up to four years in federal prison.

The FBI is currently investigating this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kedar S. Bhatia and Trial Attorney Benjamin Koenigsfeld from respective legal sections focused on terrorism and national security matters.