NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
*************************
The Timmins Police Service is currently investigating a public safety incident that occurred during the late evening hours of Thursday, May 27, where a green-coloured beam from a laser pointer entered the cockpit of the plane while in flight.
Given the potential for tragic outcomes, this type of activity could potentially meet the threshold of a criminal charge ranging from mischief to criminal negligence.
The Timmins Police Service cannot be more direct on discouraging this type of behaviour. This kind of activity places the occupants in the aircraft at direct and undeniable risk of serious injury or death.
This blatant act of foolishness, with an obvious element of wanton disregard for the safety of persons on the aircraft is a federal offence. Lasers can temporarily blind the pilot, putting all the people on the aircraft at serious risk.
In addition, people caught pointing a laser at an aircraft or into airspace can be fined up to $100,000 and even be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
Laser pointers and similar devices are not toys. Aiming a laser at an aircraft can potentially cause a major aircraft collision by:
- Distracting or disorienting the pilot
- Creating glare that affects the pilot’s vision
- Temporarily blinding the pilot
The Timmins Police Service view this incident as dangerous. There can be no reasonable excuse that justifies this type of unsafe behavior. The pilot managed to land the plane without further incident. However, if you see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, report it immediately by calling the Timmins Police Service.
The investigation into this matter which appears to have taken place in the Pine Street South area of Timmins is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Timmins Police Service at 705-264-1201 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com
*************************
