According to reports from a resident, a drone struck a powerline in a field near the Lowes in Hillsborough on the night of December 12. Hillsborough, Millstone, Somerset and Somerville, Fire, Hazmat and Police authorities searched the area throughout the night and had the perimeter secured until the next morning when the conditions allowed more visibility. The Millstone Police Department deployed drones over the area to complete an aerial search of the area December 13 at approximately 7:30 a.m, which yielded negative results. Somerset County Hazmat also completed  a foot search of the area yielding negative results as well.    

Drones have been seen all across the state, but especially in northern and central New Jersey. Senior Emma Ortiz tells The Voice of her personal experience witnessing a drone right outside her house. “The first time we ever saw them they were directly right above our house and they were pretty low and we could hear them,” Ortiz said. “The drones move in circles around my house, like they were hovering.” Ortiz’s mother was the first in her household to see them about two weeks before Thanksgiving near Woodfern Elementary School. Ortiz then started seeing the flashing red and green lights from the drone flying lower than a plane would. Ortiz mentioned that drone sightings have since decreased. 

With the rising concerns, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented no fly zones across the state November 18. The newest restrictions have affected residents in parts of Atlantic Highlands, Belford, Highlands, Linden, Fort Hancock (Middletown), Paulsboro, South Kearny, Westville, and Port Reading (Woodbridge). Government officials assured residents that these drones are not a threat and they are actively investigating these sightings.

“Right now, the FBI has assured us that there’s no reason for concern,” Hillsborough Township Mayor Mr. John Ciccarelli said. “They’ve been investigating, and their findings show no evidence that these drones pose a threat to our community.” 

Captain Scott McCarthy with the Hillsborough Township Police Department urges residents to reach out if they see anything. “If there are any drone sightings, residents can call Hillsborough Township Police Department at 908-369-4323 and report the incident for officers to respond to and investigate. They can also call the FBI and report the drone sighting at 1-800-CALL-FBI,” McCarthy said. “At this time there is no known threat to the community.”