Drones still a mystery

“We know people are concerned, as are we,” said Phillips County Undersheriff JR Myers.

Mysterious drones have been seen flying in grid patterns around the region for the last couple of weeks, and as of Monday, Dec. 30, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office was still investigating.

The red, green, white or blue flashing lights on over 16 drones were spotted almost every evening since mid-December. Myers said they stay approximately 200-400 feet in the air and they are believed to come from the southwest.

PCSO continues to be in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration and other federal agencies, all of which cannot give a reason for the drones. PCSO is also working with other local agencies, said Myers, noting the drones have been spotted in Phillips, Washington, Yuma, Sedgwick, Lincoln and Logan counties as well as some areas of Nebraska.

“We don’t believe it’s a public safety risk at this point,” said Myers. There have been no reports of the drones being malicious.

He said “our hands are tied” as far as pressing charges because until a drone touches the ground, they have not entered someone’s “property.”

If a high-flying drone is spotted, there is no need to alert authorities. However, if a drone is seen on the ground or flying at ground level (looking in windows, for instance), call PCSO at 970-854-3644 or call 911 for immediate assistance.