NEW YORK • The US teen who sparked an Internet sensation by building a small drone capable of firing a handgun has been arrested and released on a US$20,000 (S$27,500) bond.

Austin Haughwout, an 18-year-old mechanical engineering student from Clinton, Connecticut, was charged with assault and interfering with a police officer, officials said on Thursday.

The charges have nothing to do with the drone, but stem from an incident last Sunday and a physical altercation with officers, the Clinton police department said.

He was arrested on Wednesday evening after being asked to turn himself in on an outstanding warrant. Police said he refused to submit to arrest and that he hit and kicked at two officers "repeatedly".

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE