Male targets aircrafts with 'lasers'

Counties Manukau Police have arrested an 18 year old male on four charges of endangering transport. The charges relate to allegations that the male 'lasered' three commercial aircrafts yesterday evening on landing approaches to Auckland International Airport. The fourth charge relates to the 'lasering' of the police Eagle Helicopter. The incidents were reported by police and the helicopter was deployed in response, it was then targeted with a laser beam.

Air Crew in all four aircrafts were affected by the laser beam with temporary flash blindness.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch states, "The actions as alleged are treated very seriously by Police. People may think the act of pointing a laser at an aircraft is a bit of a joke; however the pilots involved were all affected by the laser which has potential to endanger the aircraft, especially on a landing approach."

The charges each carry a term of 14 years imprisonment which reflects the seriousness of the situation. Any other people who may have done this in the past or consider doing this in the future should reflect on the fact that they are endangering peoples lives. They will become subject to immediate investigation and face very serious charges when caught.

Police encourage individuals who may witness this type of offending to all police immediately on 09 261 1300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.