Two Men Arrested for Flying Drone Near Boston Airport
Two Massachusetts men, Robert Duffy, 42, of Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood, and Jeremy Folcik, 32, of Bridgewater, have been arrested for flying a drone “dangerously close” to Logan International Airport in Boston, according to a statement by the Boston Police Department. The incident took place on Long Island, on the approach to the airport, and has raised serious safety concerns.
Police Surveillance and Apprehension
The situation unfolded when a Boston Police Officer specializing in real-time crime surveillance detected an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operating dangerously close to the airport at 4:30 PM. Leveraging advanced UAS monitoring technology, the officer was able to identify the drone’s location, altitude, flight history, and the operators’ position on Long Island.
Members of the Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit were dispatched to Long Island where they found three individuals inside the decommissioned Long Island Health Campus. Upon trying to make contact, two of the individuals, Duffy and Folcik, fled on foot but were ultimately apprehended. During the investigation, a drone was discovered inside a backpack carried by Duffy.
Charges and Potential Consequences
Duffy and Folcik are facing charges of trespassing, with the possibility of additional charges and fines in the future. The Boston Police Department has emphasized the serious risks posed by the drone’s proximity to Logan’s airspace, leading to the involvement of various agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Massachusetts State Police, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Federal Communications Commission, and Logan Airport Air Traffic Control in the response.
Importance of Adhering to Safety Guidelines
In light of this incident, the Boston Police Department has reminded recreational drone operators of the importance of adhering to Federal Aviation Administration safety guidelines. Operators are strictly prohibited from flying drones over people or vehicles and must be aware of airspace restrictions. The police highlighted the significant risks posed by drones, even small ones, including the potential for catastrophic damage to aircraft and the disruption of flight paths, endangering lives and property.
As the investigation into this alarming incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible drone operation and the serious consequences that can result from reckless behavior near airports. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
