Paraglider Faces Variety of Charges

If law enforcement has its way, James Miller, the pilot who flew his motorized-paraglider over the Los Angeles Coliseum during Sunday’s Raider-Denver Bronco wild-card playoff game, prompting a delay, will not be dropping into any more sporting events for a while.

On Nov. 6, the Henderson, Nev., man crashed into the ring ropes during the Evander Holyfield-Riddick Bowe heavyweight championship fight at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

According to the Clark County District Attorney’s office, charges have been filed against Miller accusing him of operation of an aircraft in a reckless manner, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of a year in the county jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. There is a warrant out for Miller’s arrest.

After flying over the Raider game Sunday, Miller landed in an adjacent field and was taken into custody by Los Angeles police. According to LAPD spokesman Arthur Homes, Miller is being charged with unlawful disruption of a sporting event, a misdemeanor. Apparently, LAPD was unaware of the Nevada warrant for Miller’s arrest and Miller was released on his own recognizance after booking. Holmes says that LAPD is holding Miller’s motorized backpack as evidence.

Charges against Miller by the Federal Aviation Administration are also pending. The FAA has advised Miller that he is under investigation for the Caesars Palace incident. The FAA has also begun an investigation of Sunday’s incident.

FAA spokesman Fred O’Donnell said the agency might ask a federal judge for an injunction against Miller’s interrupting other events.

After his arrest Sunday, Miller told police, “Just wait until the Super Bowl.” An NFL spokesman laughed Monday at the idea that the NFL would hire Miller to soar above Super Bowl XXVIII at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.

Times staff writer Steve Springer contributed to this story.