Drone Mystery Deepens In Morris County: What We Know

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The weeks-long mystery of who has been flying drones over Morris County towns appears no closer to being solved as officials are now appealing to residents to help crack the case.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon reiterated Monday night that the recent drone activity is being actively investigated.

"There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time," Gannon said. "And the Sheriff’s Office, along with many law enforcement agencies are working in partnership on this matter."

Gannon also noted that the public can help officials by sharing not only what they see, but evidence they may collect.

"We often receive information from our neighbors that may be helpful because of their own individual talents," Gannon said. "If you are a photographer, please send us your higher resolution captures of the questionable flights."

Those with information and photos and videos to share are urged to email MCSODMU@co.morris.nj.us or call 973-285-6600.

Gannon's appeal comes as The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued flight restrictions for drones over Donald Trump's National Golf Club in Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal Military Base in Rockaway. The restrictions over the Morris County military base are set to expire Dec. 26.

Over the last two weeks, the nightly flying of drones over towns like Mendham, Randolph, Dover, Rockaway, Morris Township and Morris Plains has caused a stir on social media in those communities. Indeed, those town boards have photos and video of drone activity nightly and calls for answers alongside naysayers who seek to debunk with images of planes and running lights.

The FBI began their own investigation on Nov. 26, approximately 10 days after the first sightings were reported, but there have been no updates since then.

At that time a joint statement on behalf of the Sheriff's Office, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and local municipal police departments cautioned that what the public is seeing on social media "may not be accurate."

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency agencies, stated that they will continue their investigation.

FBI spokeswoman Amy J. Thoreson told Patch they reviewed witness reports from the last few weeks.

"The FBI Newark, NJ State Police and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness are asking for the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River," said Thoreson.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.

Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000. In addition, the FAA can suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates.