Glider Causes Stir After Deputies Say Pilot Flew Near Detention Center In Castaic

CASTAIC (CBSLA.com) — A Sheriff's Department helicopter followed a man flying a motorized glider over the hills of Castaic before he landed.

The incident began about 5:30 p.m. Monday after units were initially informed that the glider had flown over the Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center.

Deputies responded to the scene via helicopter, and using their siren and public address system demanded that he land.

About 10 minutes later, the glider landed near the Tapia Canyon Paintball Center in Castaic.

The 67-year-old resident from Northridge was briefly detained and questioned by deputies before being released.

Deputies said the man apologized profusely and explained that winds had blown him to the area near the jail facility.

Authorities subsequently explained that deputies had watched the flight of the pilot and saw that he didn't fly directly over the jail.

"Deputies watched and did not see the pilot drop anything from the motorized hangglider," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department added in a statement.

Authorities also said the glider was unaware a sheriff's helicopter was behind him.

The man was released at the scene and was not arrested.