Following sightings in northern New Jersey, law enforcement agencies in South Jersey are now reporting observations of enigmatic drones overhead. Police forces in Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Medford, and Evesham Township — all in proximity to one another — received reports concerning drone activity on Thursday night, according to Evesham police Chief Walt Miller, who informed […]
Following sightings in northern New Jersey, law enforcement agencies in South Jersey are now reporting observations of enigmatic drones overhead.
Police forces in Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Medford, and Evesham Township — all in proximity to one another — received reports concerning drone activity on Thursday night, according to Evesham police Chief Walt Miller, who informed journalists on Friday.
The department announced via social media that they are “aware of the recent increase in drone operations over the township” and “working with state and federal authorities to ascertain the drone operators and comprehend the intent behind this activity.”
Troy McNair recounted seeing a drone multiple times this week near his residence in Clementon, New Jersey.
“It passed by, then returned, and hovered. I recognized it as definitely a drone,” McNair noted. “I’m merely trying to discern if there’s anything malicious or suspicious happening.”
Evesham police are looking into ties to other drone sightings in North Jersey this week, Miller stated.
Earlier this week, a police chief in Morris County cautioned locals about “malicious” drones observed near critical infrastructures like water supply systems, power lines, and police and military facilities, CBS News New York reported.
Residents’ videos captured the fast-moving aerial objects displaying flashing lights darting through the sky.
The drone activity in Evesham first came to light around 8 p.m. Thursday when the department started to receive a number of calls. Officers responded and spotted drones in the sky, Miller indicated, estimating that four to eight were airborne over the township. The operations persisted until about 11:15 p.m. when the drones relocated toward Cherry Hill.
Miller characterized the drones as “very sizable,” highlighting that “someone remarked the drones were as large as an SUV.” They seem larger than the standard drones available for purchase at electronics stores and demonstrated the ability to navigate effectively despite strong winds impacting the area Thursday night, which led to a wind advisory from the National Weather Service.
“There’s certainly apprehension. We do receive reports of drone activity, but they are typically consumer models,” Miller said.
“Last night was intriguing, especially given the wind conditions; smaller hobby drones would struggle to fly. [The] larger, potentially professional [drone] operations raised significant concerns, particularly regarding their capacity to maneuver in such weather.”
With drones of this dimension, any area where they land would be notable, he explained.
“They must be landing somewhere. They’re quite large, and we’re collaborating with state police and federal agencies to unravel this mystery,” Miller added.
“That merely suggests the volume of electronics that could be present, and the extent of information recording they are capable of,” said Bob Pomeroy, a resident of Evesham Township.
Anyone who observes one of the drones is encouraged to capture a clear image or video and forward it to the police. Many of the photos and videos submitted by residents depict only the drone’s lights, rendering the body of the object obscured by the illumination.
A video from one viewer of CBS News Philadelphia displayed a drone over the Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia in Pine Hill, New Jersey — an event that has occurred over the last three nights this week, they claimed.
Additionally, photos shared by Jersey Coast Emergency News documented a drone flying in Brick and a cluster of multiple drones above Toms River, New Jersey.
Jersey Coast Emergency News
Governor Phil Murphy tweeted on X Thursday that he had conferred with state and federal Homeland Security officials, including Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, regarding the drone activity in North and Central Jersey.
“We are diligently observing the situation and maintaining close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this issue,” Murphy’s post indicated. “There is no recognized threat to the public currently.”
Anyone possessing information can reach the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI, or submit a tip online here.
Jersey Coast Emergency News
We contacted the Federal Aviation Administration, which has implemented flight restrictions, known as TFRs, over the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal in North Jersey reportedly due to drone activity.
No flight restrictions are currently in effect in South Jersey.
Here is a part of a statement received from an FAA spokesperson:
We investigate all reports of unauthorized drone activities and take appropriate actions. Drone operators conducting unsafe operations that threaten other aircraft or individuals on the ground could incur penalties up to $75,000. Furthermore, we can suspend or revoke the pilot certificates of drone operators.
The agency collaborates with federal and local law enforcement partners to inform them about how to respond to dangerous or unauthorized drone operations.
