A Virginia man, identified as William Hill, 35, has been arrested by the Phoenix Police Department for an incident involving a laser pointer and commercial aircraft. The incident occurred on Thursday, just before 5:30 p.m., when reports came in that a man was shooting a laser pointer at planes as they were about to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
According to the police, Hill continued to aim the laser pointer at a Phoenix police helicopter even after patrol officers arrived at the scene. Officers later found a laser at Hill’s home, and he was subsequently booked into the Maricopa County jail on two felony counts of aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement regarding the incident, stating that it was still under investigation. Southwest Airlines Flight 2418 reported being illuminated by a green laser near Phoenix, Arizona, around 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. The FAA has been notified and will conduct a thorough investigation.
In 2022 alone, pilots have reported 9,500 laser strikes to the FAA, with 278 pilots reporting injuries from laser strikes since 2010. The FAA warns that individuals who shine lasers at aircraft can face fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents. In 2021, the FAA issued a total of $120,000 in fines for laser strikes.
Incidents like these highlight the dangers posed by individuals who engage in such reckless behavior. The safety of pilots and passengers should always be a top priority, and law enforcement agencies are taking these incidents seriously. It serves as a reminder that the consequences for such actions can be severe.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to ensure that those responsible for endangering the lives of others are held accountable. The FAA, along with local law enforcement, remains committed to addressing laser strikes and maintaining the safety of the skies.
