Laser Strike on Police Aircraft Leads to Swift Arrest

Laser aimed at patrol plane prompts quick response and arrest.

laser wa police
[Credit: WA Police]
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Key Takeaways:

  • A 39-year-old Australian man was charged for allegedly pointing a high-powered green laser at a Western Australia Police aircraft, forcing the crew to take evasive action.
  • Police used onboard infrared cameras to identify the source, leading to the man's arrest at a nearby residence in East Cannington and the seizure of a laser pointer.
  • He faces charges including "causing fear or alarm with a laser to people in a conveyance" and "possession of a controlled weapon," and is scheduled to appear in court in November.
  • Authorities reiterated warnings about the serious dangers of aircraft laser strikes, noting penalties can include up to seven years in prison and fines up to $36,000 AUD.
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A 39-year-old Australian man was charged after allegedly pointing a high-powered green laser at a Western Australia Police aircraft conducting aerial patrols late Wednesday night. According to WA Police, the incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. when the beam was directed at the fixed-wing aircraft for several seconds. The police said the crew was forced to take evasive action.

The aircrew proceeded to use on-board infrared cameras to identify the source and promptly guided officers on the ground to a nearby residence in East Cannington. Police said a property search led to the man’s arrest and the seizure of a laser pointer.

He has been charged with causing fear or alarm with a laser to people in a conveyance and possession of a controlled weapon. The man was granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on November 11.

Authorities reiterated warnings about the serious dangers that come with aircraft laser strikes.

“These acts are reckless and dangerous, and those responsible will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” WA Police said.

Under the state’s Criminal Code, directing a laser at an aircraft carries penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines up to $36,000 AUD.

Matt Ryan

Matt is AVweb's lead editor. His eyes have been turned to the sky for as long as he can remember. Now a fixed-wing pilot, instructor and aviation writer, Matt also leads and teaches a high school aviation program in the Dallas area. Beyond his lifelong obsession with aviation, Matt loves to travel and has lived in Greece, Czechia and Germany for studies and for work.

Continue discussion - Visit the forum

Replies: 4

  1. If they are as liberal as US prosecutors, nothing will ever come of it.

  2. For once, just once, why don’t you keep your politics out of it? FYI nobody wants to hear it.

  3. So you are defending bullshit with more bullshit right? A report on some moron targeting aircraft with a laser is not political.
    Because everybody does it is not s good idea or legitimate excuse for carrying on that way. There are a lot of stupid people out there that have nothing to say but have to call attention to themselves by saying something. Defending them falls into that category.
    Thanks so much for helping me make my point.

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