The mystery surrounding the nightly drone sightings in New Jersey that have alarmed residents for weeks deepened on Tuesday as the FBI advised that it was also investigating reports of a possible "fixed-wing aircraft" seen flying along the Raritan River.
Federal and state authorities have joined local law enforcement in asking the public to report any information to help them track down what appear to be several operators flying multiple drones for hours at a time, mostly over North Jersey towns in recent weeks.
The FBI on Tuesday issued a joint statement with the New Jersey State Police and state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness asking for information related to "the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River."
"Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft," FBI spokesperson Amy Thoreson said. "We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks."
The Raritan flows through Somerset County, at one point passing within about 10 miles of Trump National Golf Club, the president-elect's frequent summer getaway in Bedminster, before flowing into Middlesex County and on to the Atlantic Coast.
The FBI did not respond to follow-up inquiries about the specific location of sightings along the 70-mile river.
FAA bans drones over Trump golf course, Picatinny Arsenal
The FBI advisory comes after the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary flight restrictions last month prohibiting drone flights over Trump National and the Picatinny Arsenal military research and manufacturing facility in Morris County. The move came "at the request of federal security partners," the FAA said.
"We look into all reportsof unauthorizeddroneoperationsand investigate when appropriate," an FAA statement reads. "Droneoperators who conduct unsafeoperationsthat endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000. In addition, we can suspend or revokedroneoperators’ pilot certificates."
Picatinny confirmed reports of drone sightings near the 6,400-acre base last month and issued a public reminder "that it is unlawful to fly [drones] over Picatinny Arsenal or any other federal military installation without prior authorization."
More:Spycams? Alien invasion? Hoax? Speculation about North Jersey drone mystery runs wild
Morris County sheriff wants drone photos
On Tuesday, Sheriff James Gannon also updated the public on the investigation in Morris County, where residents have been on edge amid reports of drones dancing in the night sky on a daily basis.
"The recent drone activity observed by many in our communities is being actively investigated," Gannon said. "There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time, and the Sheriff’s Office, along with many law enforcement agencies, are working in partnership on this matter."
Like the FBI, Gannon asked the public for assistance.
"We often receive information from our neighbors that may be helpful because of their own individual talents," the sheriff said in his statement. "If you are a photographer, please send us your higher-resolution captures of the questionable flights."
Submissions can be sent to MCSODMU@co.morris.nj.us, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Meanwhile, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office released a joint statement on Tuesday with Somerset County and local authorities. The agencies said they "acknowledge the public’s concern about these repeated sightings" and "seek to reassure the public that we will continue to monitor and investigate the drone activity."
'No known threat to public safety'
"There continues to be no known threat to public safety," the statement adds.
Jonelle Ferentinos, who lives less than a mile west of the Boonton Reservoir in Parsippany, is one witness looking for more answers. Out for nightly dog walks, Ferentinos said, she has seen the drones for several weeks. On Sunday night, she saw five of them, she said.
"It was dark, so I really couldn't see where they were coming from or going to," she said. "They just seemed to be flying around."
The drones were back in her neighborhood Monday night, up to four at a time, hovering and moving about in different directions.
Parsippany police spokesperson Lt. Brian Conover confirmed that his department had "received reports regarding multiple drones in close proximity to each other being observed within the township over the last few weeks."
Elsewhere in Morris County, Randolph Mayor Chris Carey released a statement saying township authorities are aware of sightings in their area and are working with county, federal and state investigators.
Where and how to report drone activity
- Call the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.
- Contact the Morris County Sheriff's Office at 973-285-6600 or via email through the department website.
William Westhovenis a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email:wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com
Twitter/X:@wwesthoven
