Police have launched an investigation after two laser pointers were aimed at an aircraft as it attempted to land at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport on Saturday evening.
"At this time, it is believed two people were in the north end of the Cambrian Mall parking lot, near Rome’s Independent Grocer, and pointed green lasers at the aircraft multiple times," says a news release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
Full text of the news release follows:
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is conducting a criminal investigation into an incident of endangering an aircraft in flight.
On Oct. 22, 2022 around 8 p.m., two laser devices were pointed at an aircraft in the process of landing at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport. The pointing of lasers at an aircraft can greatly affect the pilot’s ability to safely operate the aircraft.
At this time, it is believed two people were in the north end of the Cambrian Mall parking lot, near Rome’s Independent Grocer, and pointed green lasers at the aircraft multiple times. Anyone who may have seen someone pointing a laser or acting suspiciously or has video surveillance in that area is urged to contact police.
Laser pointing in the vicinity of an aircraft is a potentially life-threatening incident and a serious criminal offence and could lead to charges such as endangering an aircraft in flight and mischief endangering life.
Any pilot who experiences this activity is encouraged to report the offence to police immediately so members can respond and investigate.
You can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. You can also click here to submit a web tip or download the P3 app. Your tip to Crime Stoppers is anonymous and protected by case law, for more information click here.