Forget the trespass charges, the 'copter owner/operator was in violation of FAA regs. That's who should be notified. Let them deal with the feds. All the property owner has to say is that at some point, the drone flew over someone's head, or over a structure. Full stop, finito, end of story...
As for the property owner, well maybe he gets off on the discharge rap. But I'm sure there were ways to take it down that wouldn't have involved him having to hire a lawyer.
Seriously folks, if you're within city limits, DON'T SHOOT AT RC AIRCRAFT. You may be morally right if it's in your backyard, but remember, moral doesn't equal legal. Save yourself the legal fees and take it down without using a weapon. Or just document it, and follow it back to the owner. Get information (address, license plate, etc...) that will tie an ID to the person flying the aircraft. If it was flying over structure or people along the way, make sure that's captured as evidence, then present that to the authorities, letting them know that operating in that manner violates federal law.
Remember, a cheap quadcopter can be replaced or rebuilt for just a few hundred bucks and a couple of clicks. What's ducking potential local and FAA charges going to cost in time and money???
