Feds Want To Know Who Flashed Jet
Federal agents are looking for the culprit who shined a laser into a plane landing at LaGuardia Airport last week and injured one of the pilots on board.
The incident reportedly occurred just before 8 p.m. last Tuesday, Mar. 25, as Delta Airlines Flight 1102 flew over Queens northbound on its final approach toward LaGuardia Airport.
Somewhere over Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, law enforcement sources said, a green laser beam flashed into the cockpit twice, causing one of the pilots to experience flash blindness and severe disruption.
The plane eventually made a safe landing at LaGuardia Airport, but federal agents indicated the pilot suffered pain in his right eye for a time after the incident.
It was the latest in a series of incidents near the city’s airports of airplanes being affected by laser beams being flashed by people on the ground.
“Laser incidents are often viewed as harmless. This couldn’t be further from the truth,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos. “Our paramount concern is the safety of aircraft passengers, and we are asking anyone who knows anything to contact us.”
Hoping to raise public awareness and catch those responsible, the FBI has launched a targeted regional reward program. A $10,000 reward is being offered to the individual who provides information leading to the arrest of those involved in last Tuesday’s laser incident.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, a collaboration between the FBI and various federal, state and city law enforcement agencies.
Persons with information about the incident that could prove helpful are asked to call the FBI at 1-212- 384-1000; all calls will be kept confidential.
