The Highspire Borough Police Department is investigating multiple reports of lasers being pointed at airplanes at Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The incidents were reported on Tuesday (October 29) by air traffic controllers at HIA, who stated that the lasers appeared to originate from an area approximately one mile north of the control tower.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment. In addition to being illegal, this action poses a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and people on the ground. According to ABC27, the Highspire Police Department is urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact them at 717-939-9866.
The police department is taking these incidents very seriously due to the potential danger they pose. In a statement on CrimeWatch PA, the department emphasized the severity of the crime and the substantial fines and imprisonment that those responsible could face.
This is not the first time that such incidents have occurred. However, the frequency and seriousness of these recent reports have prompted a thorough investigation.
Links
https://www.abc27.com/local-news/harrisburg/police-investigating-laser-strikes-at-planes-at-harrisburg-international-airport/https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-lasers-harrisburg-international-airport/62761577https://dauphin.crimewatchpa.com/highspirepd/4805/incidents/dangerous-laser-strikes