Jay County Officials Warn Residents Against Shooting at Mysterious Drones Amid Bird Flu Investigation

Officials in Jay County, Indiana, located in the eastern part of the state near Portland, have issued an urgent warning to residents against shooting at or chasing drones that have been spotted near areas affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The announcement comes as local authorities work with federal agencies to investigate unusual drone activity in the region, reports The Star Press.

Local emergency management and sheriff’s department officials are actively monitoring drone sightings and collaborating with the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the operator and purpose of these unmanned aircraft. The investigation focuses particularly on drone activity near locations recently impacted by bird flu outbreaks.

The Jay County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged the community’s growing frustration with the mysterious drone presence.

“We understand the aggravation and the confusion that this behavior is causing our community to endure, and we want all to know that we are working diligently to resolve the issue,” the department stated in their release.

Federal law enforcement officials emphasize that attempting to shoot down drones constitutes a serious federal crime. Under 18 U.S. Code § 32, any action to “damage, destroy, disable or wreck” aircraft – including drones – can result in severe penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.

Areas affected by avian influenza remain under strict quarantine protocols, with access limited to essential personnel who have obtained explicit permission from property owners. This restricted access heightens the concern about unauthorized drone activity in these sensitive locations.

Law enforcement has established specific protocols for reporting drone sightings:

1. Residents should contact Jay County 911 dispatchers at the non-emergency number (260-726-8188)
2. Reports should include precise time and location details
3. Photo or video evidence can be submitted to ema@co.jay.in.us
4. Additional documentation can be shared via Facebook Messenger with Jay County Emergency Management

The presence of drones near quarantined areas raises questions about potential biosecurity risks and surveillance of agricultural operations. The ongoing investigation will need to balance privacy concerns with the need to maintain effective disease control measures in affected areas.

Beyond the immediate legal implications of shooting at drones, such actions pose significant safety risks to the community. Damaged drones can crash into people, property, or other aircraft, potentially causing serious injuries or property damage. Additionally, discharged firearms pose inherent risks to populated areas, particularly when aimed skyward.

The situation in Jay County reflects a growing national trend of drone-related incidents near sensitive infrastructure and agricultural facilities. As drone technology becomes more accessible, communities and law enforcement agencies must adapt their response strategies while ensuring public safety and compliance with federal aviation regulations.

Officials emphasize that residents should remain vigilant but leave the investigation to appropriate authorities. The FBI and FAA have established protocols for investigating unauthorized drone operations, and interference from civilians could potentially hamper these official investigations.