Men Arrested for Operating Hazardous Drone near Boston Airport: What You Need to Know
Two men were arrested for flying a drone dangerously close to Logan International Airport in Boston, leading to a coordinated effort among various law enforcement agencies to address the potential threat. Robert Duffy, 42, and Jeremy Folcik, 32, were apprehended by members of the Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit on Saturday night, while a third suspect managed to escape on a boat and remains at large.
Monitoring and Response
Law enforcement officials began monitoring the Unmanned Aircraft System around 4:30 p.m. and were able to pinpoint its location, altitude, and flight history using advanced technology. This information revealed that the drone posed a serious threat to the airspace around Logan International Airport, prompting immediate action to prevent any potential danger.
Collaborative Efforts
The Boston Police Department worked in conjunction with Homeland Security, the Massachusetts State Police, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Federal Communications Commission, and Logan Airport Air Traffic Control to address the situation effectively. Officers from the Harbor Patrol Unit were deployed to Long Island in response to the hazardous drone operation, where they encountered the suspects fleeing the scene.
Arrest and Charges
Duffy and Folcik were taken into custody, with Duffy found carrying the drone in his backpack. Both individuals are currently facing charges of trespassing, and additional fines or charges may be added as the investigation progresses. The suspects are scheduled to appear in Dorchester District Court for arraignment at a later date, while law enforcement continues to search for the third suspect who fled the island by boat.
As authorities work to ensure the safety and security of Logan International Airport and its surrounding areas, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with operating drones in restricted airspace. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.
