Police investigate incident of laser beam pointed at aircraft
Officers assigned to the Aviation Security Unit of Halifax Regional Police are investigating an incident of a laser being pointed at an aircraft that occurred Tuesday in the Bedford area.
On August 1 at approximately 10:54 p.m., a Diamond DA20 small single engine aircraft was flying above the area of Hammonds Plains Road and Highway 102, when the pilot’s vision became temporarily impaired due to a laser beam pointing into the cockpit.
Halifax Regional Police patrol members conducted several patrols in the area where the beams were though to have originated but were unable to locate any suspects. The investigation is continuing.
This is an extremely serious offence that imposes danger upon the pilot, passengers and any citizens on the ground. The maximum penalty under the Aeronautics Act for aiming a laser into a cockpit is a $100,000 fine, five years in prison or both.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing. Police are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to call 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip atwww.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip – Tip 202 + your message to 274637.
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Source : Media Release
