A small drone crashed into a backyard in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, on the night of December 12, raising concerns among residents and local officials about the increasing presence of unidentified drones in the area.
The incident occurred at around 8:45 p.m. in the residential area of Morris County, according to police and dispatch reports. The Pequannock Police Department described the drone as a “hobby or toy type” and clarified it was not a commercial or military-grade device.
The crash follows recent warnings from New Jersey law enforcement about potential “copycat” drone activity, which they believe originated from surveillance drills at Picatinny Arsenal. “Once this went viral online, it became a copycat issue,” a local police chief stated.
Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herd visited the crash site, expressing concerns about the lack of regulation and transparency surrounding drone activity. “It’s absolutely concerning that we don’t know whose drones are flying over us, their purpose, or their origins,” Herd said. He also emphasized the privacy concerns for residents, noting, “Drones are flying over our houses—our private property and my family lives here.”
Herd urged residents to avoid interfering with drones, warning of potential risks. “We can’t have people using their own drones to chase or intercept these devices. If one collides with a larger drone, it could result in a crash and serious consequences,” he explained.
The crash is now under investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
The mysterious drone activity has alarmed residents and even drawn commentary from national figures. President-elect Donald Trump recently took to Truth Social, claiming government officials may know more about the phenomenon than they’re revealing. “Mystery drone sightings all over the country… Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted.
The ongoing drone sightings have left many questioning the safety and regulation of aerial devices in residential areas.
