Police Warn About Drones In Montgomery County, Investigation Underway

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Police in Montgomery County are warning residents to be alert and exercise caution with the rise of reported and unexplained sightings of what appear to be drones in the night sky.

Despite claims from the White House that the lights and objects that have appeared over the skies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut for weeks are all "manned" systems, sightings seem to persist that many say defy the explanations given by some authorities.

Multiple police departments in Montgomery County have put out statements acknowledging the sightings and urging the public to report suspicious activity.

"Drones have become increasingly popular and accessible due to their ease of use and affordability," the Lower Moreland Police Department said. "While these devices have many beneficial applications--such as in delivery services, search and rescue operations, security, and infrastructure assessments--UAS can also be used for illegal or malicious activities, including potential acts of terrorism. WHILE THERE IS CURRENTLY NO KNOWN THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY, WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO REMAIN VIGILANT."

Authorities urge all suspicious drone activity be reported to the FBI by calling 1-800-225-5324.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said that state officials are also looking into the cases, and the Pennsylvania State Police are conducting an investigation. CNN reports that the agency is using its helicopters to investigate in the Keystone State more closely.

Sightings first appeared widespread in southeastern Pennsylvania last week, after several weeks of sightings over the skies of New Jersey. Nearby states like Connecticut and New York are also now reporting similar "drones."

See previous coverage: Mysterious Drones Fill The Skies Over Philly Area Thursday Night

The drones — so named for lack of a better word, though they truly are unidentified flying objects — come in multiple sizes, but some are as large as SUVs, residents report. Many have blinking, multi-colored lights. They look similar to drones, and some of them may be drones, but that has never been definitively confirmed.

While skeptics have been quick to point out they could be planes, many of the drones appear to be stationary for long periods of time, and they also appear together in large groups, with one resident reporting up to 15 spotted together at one time in Lehigh Valley Thursday.