Officials: More drones spotted across New Jersey, this time at the Jersey Shore
Sgt. Kevin Fennessy, of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Drone Department, says that the department does not have any idea where the drones are coming from or what they are being used for.
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Another wave of drone sightings was reported across the state.
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry tells News 12 New Jersey that on Friday night, half a dozen drones were spotted near Naval Weapons Station Earle. And dozens of people along the Jersey Shore say they got a glimpse of the flying machines Thursday night as well.
These sightings occurred in towns like Seaside Heights, Lavallette, Toms River, Point Pleasant Beach and Tinton Falls, to name a few. Sightings were previously reported in North and Central Jersey.
Sgt. Kevin Fennessy, of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Drone Department, says that the department does not have any idea where the drones are coming from or what they are being used for.
News 12 first met Fennessy last spring while conducting a joint drone training exercise for the Ocean and Monmouth County sheriff’s departments. Fennessy says Ocean County tracked what was happening up north just in case that drone activity moved south.
MORE: FBI asks public to send information relating to possible drone sightings
“We’re networking with the New Jersey State Police and Office of Homeland Security. Everyone’s networking together and to plot where sightings are to build a map and everything,” said Fennessy. “There’s rules you have to follow. You have to keep them under 400 feet, keep them in your line of sight, register them if they’re over a certain weight at the FAA’s drone zone, so there’s a lot with them.”
Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday met with various officials to discuss the situation
"We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter. There is no known threat to the public at this time," Murphy posted on X.
As police departments acknowledge the presence of these unknown and unsourced drones, the messaging remains the same – if you see one, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online.
Previous reporting by Lauren Due
