With drones making headlines across the country, two Massachusetts men have been charged with operating a drone “dangerously close” to Boston's Logan Airport.
At approximately 10:22 p.m. Saturday, Boston Police Harbor Patrol officers arrested Robert Duffy, 42, of Charlestown, and Jeremy Forcik, 32, of Bridgewater.
“Even small drones pose significant risks, including the potential for catastrophic damage to planes and helicopters.”
This was announced by the Boston Police Department. statement The two men were arrested for conducting “dangerous drone operations in the vicinity of Logan Airport airspace,” the statement said.
Police said officers spotted an “unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operating dangerously close” to Logan International Airport around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Police determined the men were operating the drone from near Long Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands. Police worked with the Department of Homeland Security, Massachusetts State Police, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Federal Communications Commission, and Logan Airport Air Traffic Control to respond to the situation.
Officers with the Boston Police Harbor Patrol were dispatched to Long Island, where they discovered three people inside the decommissioned Long Island Health Campus. When officers confronted the three men, they fled on foot. Officers took Duffy and Forcik into custody.
Police said they found a drone inside Duffy's backpack.
Police said the third suspect likely fled the island in a small boat. Duffy and Forcik were charged with trespassing. Police said additional charges or fines may be filed pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Duffy and Forcik were scheduled for arraignment in Dorchester District Court on Monday. Logan Airport officials said no flights were affected by the drone.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration WebsiteThere are airspace restrictions for drones over people, airports, stadiums, sporting events, national security airspace, special use airspace, and near Washington, DC.
“Drone operators should avoid flying near airports because it is difficult for manned aircraft to see and avoid drones while in flight,” the FAA said. “Drone operators must avoid manned aircraft and remember that they are responsible for the safety hazards their drones pose in the airport environment.”
“Even small drones pose significant risks, including the potential for catastrophic damage to planes and helicopters,” Boston police said. “A near-collision can cause pilots to veer off course, putting lives and property at risk.” There is a possibility that it will happen.”
In August, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed $341,413 in fines for 27 suspects who allegedly violated federal drone regulations between October 2022 and June 2024.
“Violating drone regulations puts lives in the air and on the ground at risk,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said at the time. Actions will result in damage.”
This drone incident occurred after a series of sightings of suspicious drones in the northeastern United States, particularly in New Jersey.
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