Crime & Safety

Multiple Aircraft Targeted with Green Lasers at Detroit Metro Airport

TSA and Detroit Metro Airport police are investigating multiple reports to FAA about aircraft targeted with green lasers, a felony act.

DETROIT, MI — Multiple aircraft near the Detroit Metro Airport were targeted Monday evening with green laser pointers, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The FAA said in a statement it notified local law enforcement of the reports.

No additional information was available about the incidents.

“The FAA directs these reports to law enforcement and the TSA for follow-up,” the statement said.
Shining a laser pointer at an airplane may seem like harmless fun, but it can have deadly consequences.When a laser beam hits a plane windshield, it can light up the whole cockpit, causing pilots to temporarily lose vision.

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Deliberately shining a laser pointer at an aircraft is a felony that can land offenders in federal prison for up to 20 years and with a fine of up to $11,000 per offense, according to the FBI.

Photo by Edward Simpson via Flickr Commons

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