In an unexpected turn of events during the Kansas City Chiefs-Baltimore Ravens AFC championship game, a brief pause occurred due to an administrative timeout caused by a drone interfering with the play. Now, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed further details about the incident.

CBS announcer Jim Nantz provided some insight into the interruption, stating that a drone was found to be flying too close to the game, causing the temporary halt. Nantz clarified that the drone did not belong to any officials involved in the match.

Federal prosecutors in Maryland have charged a 44-year-old Pennsylvania man, identified as Matthew Hebert, for illegally operating the drone over M&T Bank Stadium during the first quarter of the game, which the Ravens ultimately lost 17-10. According to the charging documents, NFL security halted the game temporarily, and Maryland State Police were able to track the drone's flight path from above the stadium to a house on South Sharp Street, located about half a mile away from the stadium. Hebert, wearing a Ravens jersey, then retrieved the drone.

FBI agent David Rodski stated in the criminal complaint affidavit that Hebert admitted to investigators that he had driven from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, to his friend's house near the stadium. It was also revealed that Hebert had no training or certification to operate drones. The drone in question was a DJI Mini, described as an ultralight and foldable drone, which was not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Investigators discovered that Hebert flew the drone at an altitude exceeding 100 meters for approximately two minutes, capturing six photos and potentially a video. He operated the drone via his smartphone. Surprisingly, Hebert expressed surprise that the DJI application allowed him to fly the drone, as in previous instances, it had prohibited him from doing so due to flight restrictions. He assumed that he was allowed to use the drone since the application did not prevent him.

The FAA had issued a temporary flight restriction for the game, prohibiting all aircraft, including drones, from flying within three nautical miles of the stadium. This restriction was in effect one hour before kickoff and extended for one hour after the game ended. Temporary flight restrictions are typically put in place before events in stadiums with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more.

If convicted, Hebert could face a maximum sentence of three years for knowingly operating an unregistered drone and for flying without an airman's license. Additionally, he could face an additional year for operating the drone in restricted airspace. However, the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office noted that sentences for federal crimes usually fall below the maximum penalties. An initial appearance and arraignment are scheduled for later this month, according to state authorities.