Student charged with flying drone near police chopper over protest

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF/AP) - The Drexel University student police say flew a drone within feet of one of their helicopters flying during Wednesday night's anti-Donald Trump protest has been identified as Joseph Roselli.

Police say the 20-year-old was arrested Wednesday "for his involvement in operating a drone recklessly."

Chief Inspector Scott Small had said the unmanned aircraft -- two feet by two feet -- was first spotted flying around 19th and Chestnut streets in Center City at about 6pm Wednesday, over roughly 300 demonstrators. The police helicopter was there monitoring the protest when the drone came within several feet of it.

Central Detectives confirmed the drone was confiscated further west, at 29th and Chestnut, which is near Roselli's home.

Roselli is charged with aggravated assault, causing/risking catastrophe, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.

Anti-trump protests have been going on in Philadelphia since the presidential election, more than a week ago.