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While many people are stuck at home and bored, pointing lasers at in-air helicopters is not the best source of entertainment.
After a string of incidents with people pointing lasers at helicopters operated by the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agencies are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The most recent laser incident took place in Casco Township in St. Clair County on April 20 during a Coast Guard Training mission with a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, according to a news release. A helicopter operated by the Custom and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations was illuminated the week prior in Chesterfield Township near 23 Mile Road and I-94.
A similar case took place March 17 in Chesterfield Township with another Coast Guard helicopter.
“I'm not sure everyone in the general public fully appreciates how dangerous a laser incident can be to a flight crew,†said Capt. Jared King, commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s Air Station Detroit, in a news release. “Not only can it prevent us from being able to respond to a mariner in distress, but it could prevent the aircrew from safely being able to land the aircraft. While it may seem trivial to someone on the ground, it could result in a very tragic outcome.â€
Aircrews in both incidents were able to safely land at the Selfridge base. While the laser beams may seem harmless to those on the ground, they pose a serious risk aviator safety and can lead to flash blindness and other vision problems for aircraft pilots.
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Coast Guard rules require aircraft to abort the mission if it is compromised by a laser strike, according to the release. This can cause a delay on search and rescue missions.
“These individuals that have targeted our aircraft with lasers need to realize they are committing a federal offense while also jeopardizing our pilots’ vision and life,†said Marc Sledge, director of Air and Marine Operations for CBP’s Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch in the release. “I am glad that none of the pilots were injured in these recent cases, and we will continue to work with the FBI and FAA to find and identify the perpetrators.â€
The crime is punishable with a fine of $250,000 and up to 20 years in prison. Anyone who sees someone committing this crime is encouraged to call 911.
Individuals with information on any of the cases is encouraged to leave an anonymous tip through the Coast Guard's Investigative Service’s CGIS TIPS app or online.
Meredith Spelbring is a news intern with the Detroit Free Press. Reach her at mspelbring@freepress.com or on Twitter @mere0415.
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