From Deseret News archives:
Schanze charged in paragliding incident
"Are they trying to say I broke the law or they hate me?" Schanze asked rhetorically Thursday afternoon. "I can't imagine the sheer ignorance of such (charges)."
The former owner of Totally Awesome Computers was charged with creating a public nuisance, a class B misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, an infraction. He is accused of flying his powered paraglider over and around I-15 during morning rush hour on May 24 and flying low through congested areas along the sides of I-15.
Draper police Sgt. Gerry Allred said detectives gathered numerous statements from witnesses who said they were "alarmed" and "afraid there might be a crash" after observing the low-flying, yellow-winged paraglider with a giant "S" on it.
Allred said Draper police met with the Utah Highway Patrol and FAA officials for a week before deciding what charges to file. The FAA is also considering its own charges, Allred said.
"I want to make it clear this has nothing to do with Dell Schanze. This is about keeping the community safe," Allred said.
Schanze adamantly disagreed.
Schanze questioned how flying his paraglider near I-15 was different from a "person riding a horse with a pink shirt and lights" next to I-15 or police cars with their red and blue lights on that have pulled over other vehicles.
"I'll accept the charge if they charge every one of their officers and charge everyone walking down the sidewalk," he said.
Schanze, never one to hold back his words, called the Draper Police Department on Thursday "ignorant, incompetent," "a disgrace to the nation" and "a bunch of monkeys that don't even use their heads."
Schanze was at Draper City Hall late Thursday afternoon to receive his summons papers. When members of the media tried to get an interview with police regarding the charges, they were led into another room. Police said they did not invite Schanze in order to conduct the interviews without interruption.
"They wanted to run and hide inside the building," Schanze said. "It's a shame to have police officers like that. It's a mockery of the American justice system."
"It was the citizens who alerted us to the low-flying paraglider and said they were concerned," Allred said. "We would have treated any low-flying aircraft the same way."
Schanze's court date was scheduled for June 13.
Allred said the incident has city officials considering an ordinance to specifically address the issue of paragliding and hang-gliding in the community.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
Comments
- A president of Europe? 10:18 a.m.
- Riesch edges Vonn in WCup slalom 10:13 a.m.
- Woman killed in S.F. Canyon crash 10:07 a.m.
- Collie featured in Sports Illustrated 10:01 a.m.
- Obama: Put off Fort Hood probe 9:59 a.m.
- Fort Hood victims' funerals Saturday 9:18 a.m.
- Rep. bashes Dems over health care 9:09 a.m.
- Former China ambassador Lilley dies 9:08 a.m.
- Google concedes on digital book deal 9:00 a.m.
- New Zealand reaches World Cup 8:57 a.m.
- Williams leaves, won't play tonight
- Attack meant to kill apostle
- Unga family is making its mark
- Man killed during 3rd I-15 crash
- Trial begins in toddler death
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- ESPN suddenly loves MWC
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Study: Divorce likely when wife ill
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
348 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
162 - Will state consider gay rights law?
145 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
103 - Celtics crush Jazz
103 - Hatch empathizes with Muslims
89
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
A locked gate that a five year old can open is not secure enough for a dog...
"Tang's owner"? What's the individual's name? And how can a little boy...
What For ?
At first I thought this was going to deal with caring about the american...
Womens BB - LOSERS (yes) mens BB - LOSERS (yes)..... and going for the...
"ick" I hope not!
Sounds like a good game to watch. It was suppose to be on B2 TV but were not...
Well, this means that until the end of January, there will be little if any...
I laughed and laughed at this news. All four of my sisters live in the...
The sound of the train brakes as it pegs the odd car or pedestrian won't be a...


You can be the first to comment on this story.