A drone crash in a residential backyard in Pequannock Township, Morris County, New Jersey, on Thursday night, December 12, has raised alarm among residents and local authorities. The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. and prompted immediate attention from Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herd, who visited the site to assess the situation.
Details of the Incident
According to the Pequannock Police Department, the drone involved was a “hobby or toy type of drone,” not a large commercial or military-grade device. The crash did not result in injuries, but the sudden appearance of the drone caused concern among residents. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is now investigating the case.
This crash follows warnings by New Jersey authorities about potential “copycat” drone activities, possibly inspired by surveillance operations from the Picatinny Arsenal base. A local police chief remarked, “Once it exploded online, this became a copycat situation.”
Mayor Voices Privacy and Safety Concerns
Mayor Herd expressed unease over the lack of transparency surrounding drone operations. “Nobody knows whose drones are flying over us, what they’re flying over us for, and where they’re taking off and landing,” said Herd. He emphasized the intrusion on private property and the safety risks, especially with families living in the affected areas.
Herd also urged residents to refrain from attempting to intercept drones. “We can’t be putting up Class 1 and Class 2 drones trying to follow these drones. God forbid something happens, and the big drone crashes into a house and causes fatalities,” he cautioned.
Mystery Drone Sightings Nationwide
The incident in Pequannock is part of a broader pattern of unusual drone sightings across the United States, which has stirred public anxiety. Former President Donald Trump recently addressed the issue on Truth Social, suggesting that government officials may know more than they disclose. “Mystery Drone sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” Trump stated.
Call for Regulation and Oversight
The crash and the surrounding concerns have reignited calls for stricter drone regulations and better transparency in their use. Residents and officials alike are pressing for answers about the purpose and ownership of drones operating in residential areas.
As the investigation continues, the incident highlights the pressing need for clearer policies on drone operations to ensure public safety and protect privacy.
Sources By Agencies
