Laser Pointer Blinds Pilot and Police in Mitchell
Just a bit of advice, do not point one of those laser pointers at a police officer or an airplane.
Mitchell South Dakota police are actively trying to find someone who did in fact shone a laser pointer at an airplane and police officers in September.
On September 21, a Minneapolis air traffic controller notified Mitchell Police that a pilot was blinded by a laser as the plane flew over Mitchell. Officers were dispatched, but found no one.
Five days earlier two officers reported that they, too, were hit with a laser light.
Detective Lt. Don Everson, of the Mitchell Police Department says this creates two major concerns. "There is possible eye injury. All of these devices come with a warning to point at the head or eyes." And, "A lot of laser lights are used as rifle sights, and if you are illuminated with a laser there is concern that someone's pointing a gun at you.”
Something police don't take lightly, it could illicit a more aggressive response.
Light from a laser pointer expands as it moves away from the source. According to Everson, "A lot of people don't understand this little light is a big deal four or five miles away.”
Another very good reason you don't want to try something like this, shining a laser at a plane is a crime both locally and federally, and is punishable with a $250,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison.
While it might seem like a harmless prank at the time, that harmless prank might cause an accident, get you locked up, or worse yet, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a police officers gun.
If you have any information that could help lead to an arrest in this case, Crime Stoppers is offering a $250 cash reward.
Source: KDLT