EUREKA, Mo. — Mysterious lights illuminating the skies above Missouri caused a frenzy of drone-related speculation among residents, according to a local police department. The lights' true source is a lot less nefarious.
Eureka police reported receiving numerous calls Tuesday night from concerned residents about the lights. When an officer was sent to investigate, it was determined the lights were not from drones, but high-powered spotlights from a holiday event at Brookdale Farms reflecting off the cloudy sky.
In a Facebook post, the police department told the public there was no need to worry.
A representative from Brookdale Farms said the venue received multiple calls after posts on social media mistook the lights for flying objects. The event, called Light Cycles, is a nighttime walk that takes guests on a multi-sensory journey with "captivating light, immersive soundscapes and dynamic digital art," according to the event's website. The event began on Dec. 12 and will continue every night through New Year's Eve.
This was just one case of drone suspicion affecting the St. Louis area. In the wake of a string of supposed drone sightings across the northeastern U.S., NBC News reports a rise in questions, conspiracies, and suspicion from lawmakers and residents concerning drones.
On Dec. 12, the FBI and DHS jointly issued a statement on reported drone sightings in New Jersey, saying in part, “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus..."
NBC News reports more than 5,000 drone-related tips have been reported across the Northeast to the FBI since mid-November, though the agency cautions some are duplicates and most are not worthy of further investigation.
There's an increase in conversation concerning drones online in the wake of the reported sightings in the Northeast. In a study published by Montclair University on Dec. 16, researchers claim that "search activity for the word 'drone' has increased by 1900% from the period before the first sighting of a drone in New Jersey."
Amid a nationwide surge in reported sightings, the 5 On Your Side newsroom received questions from viewers and claims of drone sightings in Missouri and Illinois. Over the weekend, viewers in Kirkwood and other areas in St. Louis County claimed to have spotted what they believed to be multiple drones in flight.
5 On Your Side reached out to a representative with the St. Louis County Police Department, which said it had no reference to calls on drone sightings over the weekend and that drone sighting are not a cause for concern in the St. Louis area.
Our news team is bringing you answers about drone laws in the Bi-state to clear up any confusion or curiosity you may have.
Where can you legally fly a drone?
Missouri and Illinois state laws line up with federal laws from the Federal Aviation Administration on how and where you can fly.
To fly a drone as a hobbyist in either state (i.e. for fun or pleasure) you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Here's more on what federal law says about flight restrictions. Technically, the airspace over private residences is not off-limits. A drone pilot can fly over private property, but there are limitations, like the pilot must fly the drone lower than than 400 feet. The FAA limits drone flights to 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace. There are also federal and state restrictions against flying near and above airports, military bases, national landmarks and secure spaces.
The state of Missouri doesn't have any additional statewide drone restrictions currently, but cities and municipalities can have their own drone regulations. It's important to be familiar with those guidelines. One recent drone bill for the City of St. Louis went into effect in March 2024.
In Illinois, lawmakers have approved some laws in addition to federal drone guidelines. Illinois state law allows some flexibility for police to use drones during emergencies and other situations. Another law says you can't use drones to interfere with hunters or fishermen.
What should/shouldn't you do if you see a drone flying over your property?
Don't attempt to shoot it down, hack it or crash it. You could face up to 20 years in jail, plus fines. The FAA classifies drones as aircrafts. Under the Aircraft Sabotage Act, damaging or destroying an aircraft is a federal crime.
What you can do is try to first contact the person controlling the drone if you'd like them to stop flying it. If that doesn't work, call your local law enforcement. If the situation continues, can also file a private nuisance claim or try to get a restraining order.