Drones In 10 Counties; Helicopter, Jet Rumors But No Answers In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Whether you think the drone sightings across New Jersey are part of a clandestine spy operation or just social media-fueled panic, officials say they are taking the matter seriously as reports keep reaching more counties.

The unidentified aerial vehicles have been spotted flying over different parts of New Jersey since mid-November, beginning in the Morris County area. The drones (as officials and many residents call them) have made nightly flights in some areas, and sometimes travel in clusters. It is unclear who is operating them and for what purpose.

The FBI is leading an investigation into the matter, and Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday there is "no known threat to the public at this time."

And though state and federal agencies have not raised alarm yet about these sightings, some New Jersey towns and counties have expressed concern about reported drone flights near critical infrastructure resources such as reservoirs, power lines, and law enforcement agencies.

Hunterdon County officials confirmed there were sightings of drones near Round Valley Reservoir and the County 9-1-1 Center, and said residents reported drones "clustered together in groups as big as eight."

Based on previous Patch reporting and statements from public officials, there are at least ten New Jersey counties where people have been contacting law enforcement about drone activity: Bergen, Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren.

Officials in Monmouth County joined in with other officials in asking residents to report sightings to the FBI, but did not say they are receiving reports of drone activity in a statement Friday. A Patch reader in Manalapan said he has seen the aircraft two nights in a row.

Reports of a fighter jet chasing down a drone in Brick were not confirmed, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst did not have any reports of a fighter jet being involved in any kind of pursuit in Ocean County when Patch reached out Friday.

And, officials also denied that a police helicopter was pursuing a drone in Bernardsville on Wednesday night.

The sightings have sparked the creation of a Facebook group "New Jersey Mystery Drones, let's solve it." The group had 6,000 members by 1 p.m. on Friday.

The Federal Aviation Administration has also issued two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base through Dec. 26 and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster through Dec. 6, at the request of federal security partners.

The FBI's Newark office and New Jersey State Police are asking for the public to report any information related to the drone sightings to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI also is asking for photos and video of any drones seen.

Recent Patch coverage from around New Jersey:

• 'Safety Is The Priority': Hillsborough Mayor Discusses Drones With NJ Governor
  
• Report Of Chopper Chasing Drone In Somerset County Unconfirmed
• Drone Sightings Spread To Ocean County, But Few Calling Authorities
  
• Monmouth County Sheriff Warns Of NJ Drone Sightings
  
• Mysterious Drones Reach South Jersey, Flying Over Burlington Co. Town
  
• Bergen County Town Warns Of Drone Sightings, Tells Residents To Report Them To FBI
• 'Nefarious' Drones Appearing Over 'Critical' NJ Infrastructure: Cops

This article contains reporting from our Patch editors around New Jersey.