Felony Laser Strikes on Aircraft in Three States

Recent incidents in Spokane, Washington; Marion County, Florida; and Commerce City, Colorado have resulted in felony charges after individuals aimed green lasers at aircraft. In Spokane, a 68-year-old man was arrested for targeting a sheriff’s helicopter, an act that can momentarily blind pilots. In Florida, Adam Santiago-Lugo was taken into custody after repeatedly striking a sheriff’s helicopter with a laser, temporarily blinding the pilot and being tracked using surveillance technology. In Colorado, Jose Duarte-Campos was charged with felonies for aiming a laser at commercial aircraft, and was also found with drugs and driving under the influence. Law enforcement and aviation officials are raising alarms about the increased frequency and risks of laser strikes, which can endanger pilots and public safety. Authorities warn that such actions carry severe legal penalties regardless of intent.