Michael Arnold denies charges of stalking and harassment via a small Aerolane
Michael Arnold, a 65-year-old resident of New York, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including stalking, related to his alleged harassment of a woman by repeatedly flying his small plane over her home.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its unusual nature and the persistence of the alleged stalking, which has spanned approximately four years.
Allegations and Charges
Arnold faced arraignment in southern Vermont, where he kept his aircraft. The charges brought against him include aggravated stalking, violating an abuse prevention order, resisting arrest, impeding a public officer, and providing false information to law enforcement.
Following the arraignment, he was released with specific conditions imposed, ensuring that he maintains no contact with the woman, refrains from stalking her, and stays at least 300 feet (91 metres) away from her residence, business, and all aeroplanes.
A Persistent Stalking Case
According to an FBI agent involved in the case, Arnold had been persistently stalking the woman from Schuylerville, New York, for approximately four years. During this time, a restraining order had been issued against him, prohibiting him from engaging in any aviation activities.
New York authorities reported sightings of Arnold flying at low altitudes over the village of Schuylerville. In one particularly alarming incident, he was witnessed throwing tomatoes from his plane, as stated by the investigating officer in Bennington, Vermont.
Victim’s Fear for Her Safety
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, had been living in fear for a prolonged period. She expressed concerns that Arnold might carry out a dangerous act, even fearing that he could intentionally crash his plane into her residence.
Court documents revealed her feelings of apprehension and insecurity. She also disclosed that Arnold was a customer at her café.
Arrest at William H. Morse State Airport
Arnold’s arrest took place as he arrived at the William H. Morse state airport in Bennington, Vermont, where he stored his 1976 Cessna 180 single-engine plane. Upon arrest, he vehemently denied any stalking activities and claimed that he was not piloting his aircraft on the alleged day.
Instead, he insisted that he was a passenger riding with someone else. The affidavit states that Arnold asserted he had no contact with the woman and argued that harming her would have been effortless for him but remained unattempted.
Arnold’s Explanation
Arnold attempted to provide an explanation for his flight over Schuylerville. He mentioned that he had not received any communication from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricting his flying privileges.
He contended that he flew over Schuylerville solely to capture images for a Facebook community page. Schuylerville is located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometres) northwest of the Bennington airport.
Prior Incidents
This is not the first time Arnold has faced accusations of flying his plane too low over residential areas. Authorities have not yet detailed the specific methods used by Arnold to stalk the woman using his aircraft.
Legal Proceedings
Arnold’s initial court appearance was brief, where he expressed his intention to invoke the “24-hour rule.” This rule grants him additional time to consider his plea and to engage an attorney.
During this appearance, he spoke only to address the judge. His next court appearance was scheduled for the following day.
Protective Measures
In a related development, a judge in Saratoga, New York, town court issued a temporary order of protection for the victim. This order prohibits Arnold from approaching the woman, her residence, business, or place of employment.
It also mandates that he refrain from any form of harassment, intimidation, threats, or interference with her, her family, household members, or witnesses to the alleged offenses. Furthermore, the order requires Arnold to suspend all aviation activities until a court date set for November 30.
In this extraordinary case, Michael Arnold’s plea of not guilty will see further legal proceedings as authorities investigate the extent of his alleged stalking by plane. The victim and the community eagerly await a resolution that ensures her safety and peace of mind.
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