Lower Township Police Department 405 Breakwater Road

Erma, NJ 08204 609-886-1619

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prepared by: Lieutenant Patrick Greene Contact Number: 609-886-1619 ext. 114

9/29/2014

Remote Control Drone Shot Down by Local Resident

On Friday September 26, 2014 at approximately 5:30pm, Lower Township Police were dispatched to the 1000 block of Seashore Road to investigate the compliant of a remote control helicopter (drone) being shot down. Ptlm Michael Nuscis spoke with the owner of the drone who reported he was taking aerial photographs of his friend’s home which is under construction. While doing so he heard several gunshots as he simultaneously lost control of the drone. Upon retrieving the drone, he observed multiple holes in it consistent with a shotgun blast. He immediately notified the Lower Township Police Department and upon their arrival, he directed them to the area from which he heard the shots coming from. Ptlm Michael Nuscis conducted a follow up investigation at a residence located in the 1000 block of Seashore Road. As a result of that investigation, Russell J Percenti, 32, a waiter employed at a local restaurant and residing at that address, was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Criminal Mischief. The shotgun used to shoot down the drone was seized by police. Bail was set by the Honorable Judge Thomas Hillegass in the amount of $2500 or 10%. After posting bail, Percenti was released.