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 friends 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.