Drones prevent medical helicopter from landing in New Jersey, report says

✅ Drones continue to fly over North Jersey

✅ Seven drones hovered over a Morris County neighborhood for 15 minutes

✅ Drone pilots who operate illegally face fines of up to $75,000

Recent drone sightings in the skies over New Jersey took a serious turn when the landing of a medical helicopter had to be postponed.

Firefighters in Branchburg canceled a landing at Raritan Valley Community College after a crash in the community on Nov. 26 because of the drones, Brian Serge, the college’s safety officer, told NJ.com. Serge said he had not received any additional information.

Branchburg Fire Department Official Joseph Olivio referred questions from New Jersey 101.5 to state police, who later confirmed that the landing zone was moved to a different location due to “the presence of unmanned aircraft in the immediate area.” The victim was then flown to a hospital by plane.

New Jersey 101.5 traffic reporter Bob Williams and his wife Kathleen received a text message from their neighbor early Tuesday evening about drones in the sky over their Roxbury neighborhood.

“So I ran outside and I could see her right away,” Kathleen told New Jersey 101.5. “To me it looked like very strategically placed drones. They flew very low. It was very obvious that they were drones. I could definitely see seven drones in one shot.”

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“Very, very, very worried”

Kathleen said she could hear a slight noise from the drones with red, white and blue lights. They stayed in the same area for about 15 minutes. Bob called local police, who referred him to the FBI, which is investigating the sightings.

“I was very, very, very worried. I found it extremely disturbing, especially because just a few days ago they were in the Mendham-Chester area, which is not far from here,” Kathleen said.

The FBI’s Newark office said it received a “great” response to its request for video footage and information about the sightings, but did not provide a specific number. Anyone with relevant information can call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at Tips.fbi.gov.

Acting Warren County Prosecutor Jessica Cardone released a statement Wednesday saying she was aware of the public’s concerns but reiterated there was no danger to the public. Cardone said drone sightings can also be reported on the crime tips page on her agency’s website.

Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines of up to $75,000, according to the FAA. The authority can suspend or revoke the pilot licenses of drone operators.