Do Not Intercept Mystery Drones, Lawrence PD Tells Residents

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – With drone sightings increasingly reported across the state, the Lawrence Township Police Department has asked residents not to shoot them or take any action.

Since first appearing nearly a month ago, nightly drone sightings have increased across towns in NJ.

Mystery drone sightings have been reported in Lawrence Township as well. Meanwhile, community members have been concerned about the drones appearing over Lawrence skies.

However, Police Chief Chris Longo has asked residents to remain patient and not take any action as far as the drones are concerned.

“A growing concern amongst law enforcement agencies is vigilante action taken by citizens attempting to take down drone aircraft. This action can result in severe negative outcomes, especially if the aircraft is actually manned. There are regular reports of drone activity that are confirmed to be FAA approved manned aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes. No resident should take action to intercept any aircraft,” Lawrence Police said in a statement.

If residents find downed drones, they have been asked to stay away from them and not touch them.

“If a resident does encounter a downed drone, the aircraft should be treated as evidence. Do not touch or approach the aircraft, and dial 911 immediately. The Lawrence Township Police Department has a response plan in place should there be any type of interaction with a downed drone in Lawrence Township,” police said.

A growing chorus of frustrated New Jersey residents continue to demand answers from authorities.

Almost four weeks later, state and federal investigators have not been able to figure out where the drones are coming from. Even if they do have an idea, they have not made the information public.

As a result, several theories are floating around. They have ranged from the extreme – such as U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s contested suggestion that the drones may coming from an off-shore Iranian “mothership” – to the more benign explanation that most of the sightings are just planes taking off from nearby airports.

Lawrence Police and officials, like other local law enforcement agencies have been in constant touch with state and federal investigators.

“Members of both the Township and LTPD leadership have been in contact with Federal and State law enforcement agencies and participate in regular collaborative briefings regarding the drone sightings. The latest information received confirms that the origin of the drone activity remains unknown,” police said.

Residents have been encouraged to share video or photo evidence of drones over township skies with the FBI, to aid in the investigation.

If quality videos or photos are captured, residents are asked to uploaded them directly to the FBI at: https://tips.fbi.gov/ under the "Other FBI Crimes" tab.

Drone sightings can also be reported to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).

If drones are observed flying near or interfering with a critical infrastructure, residents should call 911 and report the activity immediately.

“When LTPD obtains additional information from our law enforcement partners, it will be shared with our community," police said.

“It is important that only factual information be shared.”

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