Saginaw resident alleges unauthorized drone surveillance near high school, urges city action

At the Saginaw City Council meeting a resident, Obadiah Thomas the eighth, said an operator from a contractor he identified as Texas Select Construction (owner named as 'Dave') entered his property on March 5, conducted what he characterized as unauthorized drone surveillance, and committed criminal trespass.

“My name is Obadiah Thomas the eighth. I’m a retired U.S. Army veteran,” Thomas said during public comment. He told the council the operator was uninsured and unlicensed, that he nearly was struck by the operator’s vehicle as the operator fled, and that the aircraft had operated within 200 feet of Saginaw High School. Thomas said he has video evidence and a Federal Aviation Administration letter citing violations and asked the city for a full investigation and improved contractor verification and police training on drone and related technology laws.

Thomas urged the city prosecutor to apply the law as written and for the city to publish license, insurance and certification checks for drone contractors. He also recommended police receive training on technological laws, scams, AI and drone use so officers can enforce modern rules.

Council members thanked Thomas for raising the issue; no formal council action or vote on enforcement or policy changes occurred during the meeting. Staff did not report a follow-up enforcement action at the meeting; council indicated staff would receive the comment and consider next steps.

Thomas named the contractor and the city prosecutor during his remarks; the council did not discuss specific enforcement outcomes at the session.